Impeccable craftsmanship and a good ear for melody are the hallmarks of a quality composer, and these were especially important musical attributes for one who lived in the second half of the 19th century. Heinrich, the husband of Brahms’ most talented piano protegée, Elizabeth von Herzogenberg, had both–and in the three excellently performed works on this disc, we have a program that’s refreshingly unfamiliar (only Legends Op. 62 is available anywhere else) and one that warrants repeated listening (the B-flat major Piano Quartet has all the elements of a minor masterpiece). In the Piano Quartet the Belcanto Strings and pianist Andreas Frölich give heartfelt performances, easily avoiding the usual balance problems of the one-piano/string trio format. They stylishly traverse the music’s wide range of emotions, from the gentle, lyrical Notturno to the passionate Brahmsian finale. The string pizzicatos and piano stacatto of the darkly impish Scherzo-like third movement are especially effective, and the performers get the barline-crossing phrases just right throughout the piece.
Herzogenberg clearly was inspired by Brahms when composing the String Trio Op. 27 No. 2, and the Belcanto players shine especially brightly here, with precise ensemble unity and excellent intonation. The delightful Norwegian fiddle tune that is the heart of the second movement and the heartwarming simplicity of the Menuetto certainly will demand rehearing. Legends for cello and piano is only slightly less imaginative, but the performers effectively exploit the work’s lyrical and expressive aspects. It would be difficult to imagine a finer, more committed interpretation than this one. The recording is warm and vibrant, with natural-sounding, clearly detailed instruments. Enthusiastically recommended for all chamber music lovers.
