Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Trios Op. 70, WoO 39 & Hess 48 (Rautio Piano Trio)

Information

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

• Piano Trio in E-Flat Major, Op. 70 No. 2
• Allegretto for Piano Trio in B-Flat Major, WoO 39
• Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 70 No. 1 "Ghost"
• Allegretto for Piano Trio in E-Flat Major, Hess 48

Rautio Piano Trio

    Jane Gordon, violin

    Victoria Simonsen, cello

    Jan Rautio, fortepiano

Date: 2026

Label: Resonus Classics

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Ludwig van Beethoven’s Op. 70 Piano Trios, composed in 1808 during his peak creative period, bridge stark emotional extremes ranging from profound melancholy to radiant vitality. The famous "Ghost" Trio derives its nickname from the uncanny, desolate Largo assai, a movement evocative of Shakespearean tragedy that contrasts sharply with the surrounding movements' luminous lyricism and wit. Together, these two works showcase Beethoven balancing despair with defiance and creative transcendence. Performed on period instruments by the Rautio Piano Trio, this album continues the ensemble's dedicated exploration of the composer's masterful chamber repertoire, capturing the music's full expressive depth and historical authenticity.

Since their 2016 debut, the award-winning Rautio Piano Trio, which was formed at the Royal Academy of Music, has established itself as an expressive, top-tier chamber ensemble performing on both modern and period instruments. Renowned for appearances at venues like Wigmore Hall and broadcasts on BBC Radio 3, the trio’s versatile profile spans historical masterworks, original commissions, and custom transcriptions. Supported by the Continuo Foundation, their recording series charts the evolution of the piano trio from early pioneers through Beethoven’s complete cycles on fortepiano, solidifying their reputation for fresh historical insight and contemporary innovation.