Robert Kahn - Piano Quartets; Serenade for String Trio (Zilliacus Trio; Oliver Triendl)

Information

Composer: Robert Kahn

CD1

• Piano Quartet No. 1 in B minor, Op. 14
• Piano Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 30

CD2

• Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor, Op. 41
• Serenade for String Trio in A minor

Zilliacus Trio

    Cecilia Zilliacus, violin

    Johanna Persson, viola (CD1)

    Lilli Maijala, viola (CD2)

    Kati Raitinen, cello

&

Oliver Triendl, piano

Date: 2025

Label: CPO

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Robert Kahn (1865–1951) experienced a turning point in 1886 when he met Johannes Brahms, whose influence deeply shaped his musical voice without leading to imitation. Kahn’s chamber works, from duos to quintets, reveal Brahmsian richness, with the three piano quartets standing out for their symphonic breadth and opulent textures. His Serenade for String Trio (1933), written in honor of Brahms’ centenary, demonstrates a lighter, more transparent style while still echoing his mentor’s spirit. Balancing homage with individuality, Kahn created music that bridges lyrical intimacy with chamber-symphonic grandeur, confirming his place among the notable composers influenced yet not overshadowed by Brahms.

Oliver Triendl (b. 1970, Mallersdorf, Bavaria) is a German pianist celebrated for his devotion to neglected and rarely performed composers, particularly in Romantic and contemporary repertoire. A prizewinner of numerous competitions, he studied with Rainer Fuchs, Karl-Heinz Diehl, Eckart Besch, Gerhard Oppitz, and Oleg Maisenberg. Triendl has performed worldwide with major orchestras including the Munich Philharmonic, Bamberg Symphony, Berlin Radio Symphony, Sinfonia Varsovia, and Shanghai Symphony. His discography exceeds 100 recordings, featuring around 90 piano concertos and extensive chamber works, often in premieres. An avid chamber musician, he has collaborated with leading soloists and ensembles across generations, confirming his reputation as one of the most versatile pianists of his time.