While the Barbican Trio’s heartfelt reading of Rachmaninov’s early Élégiaque Trio convincingly communicates the music’s dark and passionate emotions, the ensemble’s Tchaikovsky curiously comes up short in this regard. At the opening of the first movement, the Barbican’s soulful rendition of the main tune on cello and violin issues forth with a lyrical intensity that suggests a soprano/baritone duet. But this intensity does not hold for the dramatic transition to the second subject, nor to the following development section, by which time it’s clear the Barbican players are content to leave the waters untroubled. This results in a first movement that is pleasant rather than stirring, especially when compared to the dynamic readings by the Yuval and Ashkenazy Trios. The long second movement fares better, thanks to the Barbican’s individual characterization of each of the variations, and to the joyful energy the group brings to the finale. Overall, this is an interpretation you can appreciate for the quality of playing rather than the impact of the music. If it’s the latter you want, go for the recommended alternatives. Guild’s warm, skillfully balanced recording allows you to hear all three players in a believable perspective.
