Presents
Albert Dietrich
Piano Trio No.2 in A Major, Op.14
"It is entirely unjust that Dietrich's two piano trios have been forgotten. Piano Trio No.2 in A Major, Op.14, was completed in 1863. Schumannesque, the first movement, Allegro moderato is filled with magnificent melodies. In the Adagio which comes next, an appealing Scandinavian folk melodies is given superb treatment. A fleet Scherzo, allegro vivace with two fine contrasting trios follows. A lilting Allegro, fresh and original sounding brings this first rate trio to an effective close. Both of these trios from the mid romantic era belong in the front rank and are deserving of concert performance."---the famous chamber music critic Wilhelm Altmann, writing in his Handbook for Piano Trio Players
Albert Dietrich (1829-1908) was born in the German town of Golk near Meissen. Today, he is chiefly remembered as being a contributor to the famous collaborative FAE Violin Sonata. He first studied at the Leipzig Conservatory and then continued his composition studies with Robert Schumann in Dusseldorf. He not only became good friends with Schumann and his wife Clara, but also with Brahms and the violinist Joseph Joachim. It was Schumann who suggested that he, Brahms and Dietrich together should write a sonata for Joachim as a surprise. Joachim had recently separated from his wife and the sonata came to be known as the FAE--Frei aber einsam (free but lonely). Dietrich was one of Brahms' closest friends and wrote an important biography of him. He enjoyed a long career as a music director and composer.
This is a another first rate piano trio from the mid romantic era which is deserving of concert performance and would be a triumph if presented. It is no way beyond amateurs who are also encouraged to make its acquaintance.
Parts: $29.95
