The idea that this plainly and indeed humbly presented disc—the Complete Music for Piano Trio, Volume 2—contains one of the greatest human utterances in any art-form, may come as a surprise. But it is true. The 'Archduke' Trio is one of the glories of exploring the piano trio repertoire and stands for many of us as the crowning triumph of the medium. Dating from Beethoven's richest transition, from the middle period towards his late works, the trio envelops the listener from the start and shows his ability to combine monumentality and intimacy as well as prayer and dance, on a vast scale and with awe-inspiring power. It has its title from the dedication to the Archduke Rudolph, good friend to the composer and dedicatee of many of his greatest pieces, and for once the nickname of a piece has an apt suggestiveness as to the stature of the music.

An important issue in the award-winning survey of piano trio repertoire by our old friends, The Florestan Trio.

All of the music on this album is also available as part of the specially priced box set Beethoven: The Complete Music for Piano Trio (download only).