Montreal Camerata chamber music excels
Toolbox
By Jim Lowe Times Argus Staff - Published: November 24, 2009
MONTREAL – The beauty of a masterpiece is that it can be played in so many different ways, illuminating the many facets of the gem. Music Camerata Montréal, with the same personnel that won over a Montpelier audience in September, performed Beethoven's "Archduke" Trio with an intimacy that was not only compelling, it was truly touching.
The Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Opus 97, which Beethoven dedicated to the Archduke Rudolph – hence its appellation – is one of the masterpieces and "war horses" of the repertoire. Its first impression is one of grandeur, but pianist Berta Rosenohl, violinist Luis Grinhauz (Musica Camarata's artistic director) and cellist Mariève Bock emphasized its beautiful intimacy without missing its grandeur and passion. The string interaction and sound was especially effective in its natural expressiveness. Although there was a bit of loss of focus in the scherzo, it was an intimately powerful performance.
Rosenohl led the way in Dvorak's Piano Trio in f minor, Opus 65, delivering its rich rhapsodic character with a direct clarity and deep musical understanding. The aforementioned string sound was beautiful and was very expressive in this very episodic work.
The main characteristic of this ensemble was excellence. The playing was beautiful and expressive, without ego or show. Rather than expressing their individual personalities, the three played together seamlessly – yet the result was full of character.
The Musica Camerata's Montpelier performance for Capital City Concerts was particularly well received. The series' artistic director, flutist Karen Kevra, joined them in that concert and will rejoin them in Montreal for a somewhat different program on Feb. 20, 2010.