Presents
Peter Erasmus Lange-Müller
Piano Trio in f minor, Op.53
“The Danish composer Peter Erasmus Lange-Müller, primarily known for his lieder, composed his only piano trio, Op.53 in f minor, in 1898. It can be recommended not only for concert performance but also for amateurs. This trio is among the best coming out of Denmark and one cannot help but be pleasantly surprised by the charming melodies and striking rhythms of which the first movement, Moderato con moto, is an especially good example. The middle movement, Allegretto piacevole begins with a wonderful, leisurely, lyrical melody in which we find especially pleasing modulations. The middle section is a fetching scherzo. The finale, Allegro con brio, combines forward drive with a lyrical, lilting theme. It is jovial and full of life. High praise is certainly in order.”---Wilhelm Altmann, the famous chamber music critic and scholar, writing in his Handbook for Piano Trio Players.
Peter Erasmus Lange-Müller (1850-1926) generally known as P.E. Lange-Müller was born in the Danish town of Fredriksberg where he studied piano before entering the Royal Danish Conservatory in Copenhagen where he studied with Edmund Neupert. He was founder of one of Denmark's leading concert societies and orchestras, the Koncertforening, which he conducted for several years. Though known for his vocal music, he also wrote symphonies, and a violin concerto besides this trio. His early music showed the influence of Schumann, however, his later works, including this piano trio, not only show the awareness of developments in France but also in Germany. Tonal ambiguity, as for example in the finale, clearly reveals this.
This is a very fine, first rate piano trio, marginalized because of the composer's nationality. It deserves to be known and performed. Out of print for nearly a century, we have reprinted the original edition, correcting mistakes and adding rehearsal letters.
Parts: $29.95
