Robert Radecke: Piano Trio No.1, 2

Albert Martin Robert Radecke (31 October 1830 – 21 June 1911; aged 80) was a German composer and conductor.

 

He was born in Dittmannsdorf, in Silesia, and received his musical training in the Conservatory of Leipzig. In 1853 he became musical director of the Court Theatre of Leipzig. He moved to Berlin soon after, played second violin in Ferdinand Laub's quartet, and gave many successful concerts. He was made royal Kapellmeister in 1871, and in 1891 succeeded Haupt as director of the Royal Institute for Church Music.

His older brother Rudolf (1829–1893) was also a composer.

 

 

Piano Trio No.1 in A-Flat Major, Op.30 (1865)

Trio Fontane

00:00 Allegro Molto Vivace 08:01 Scherzo (Presto Con Fuoco) 12:09 Andante Sostenuto 19:29 Allegro Appassionato Hermann Ottomar Herzog - Daybreak on a Snowy Morning

 

Piano Trio No.2 in B Minor, Op.33 (1868)

Trio Fontane

00:00 Allegro Appassionato 09:36 Andante Molto Espressivo 16:37 Scherzo (Allegro Molto Vivace) 22:59 Allegro Non Troppo  Hermann Ottomar Herzog - Florida Sunset

 

From Wilhelm Attmann: Robert Radecke, himself a chamber music performer, has written two piano trios. His Piano Trio No.2 in b minor, Op.33 dates from 1868 and was published the year after. It is written on a broad scale. It is a work which will certainly make friends among home music makers as all of the parts are grateful to play. The work shows the influence of Schubert, especially in the slow movement and in the lyrical theme of the finale. However, rhythmically speaking there are many original touches to be found here. One hears it immediately in the opening movement, Allegro appassionato, with its fresh, wistful and effective main theme. The beautiful slow movement, Andante espressivo, is a set of variations based on a folk melody. A piquant Scherzo, allegro molto vivace, is full of fire. The finale, Allegro non troppo, stands out for its march-like rhythm.