BRAHMS, Johannes
Piano Trio No. 2 in C major, Op. 87
I. Allegro
Menahem Pressler, guest professor
Grupo Tempo de Orange
Elena Rey, violin
Mikolaj Konopelski, cello
Noelia Fernández Rodiles, piano
Globally, there are many good things in the Trio’s performance, but the tempo has not been adequate and there has been a lack of connection, especially in the 2nd theme. Pressler also makes some general corrections regarding phrasing, articulation and dialogue between the different voices.
Returning to the interpretation of the work, Professor Pressler explains to the group how they should play the forte indication in the score. Menahem Pressler continues the class with indications on the sound balance between the instruments: the accompaniment sounds louder than the theme, the piano should play more softly in the trio. Aspects of articulation, rhythm, accents and phrasing of certain passages are also worked on because the way they play would not be to Brahms’ liking.
In addition, Pressler makes some specific corrections to the strings – in the long preparation part before the theme – with respect to phrasing, metre, sound quality and dynamics. There must be a continuity between the instruments, and it is important to know what the other members of the group are playing at each moment.
Menahem Pressler insists on the importance of interpreting the sound balance and the metre correctly (without unnecessary ritardandi). He also makes comments about the character: the piano should sound more tender, without accents when attacking the chords. Then the professor suggests another fingering for the violin so that it obtains greater expressiveness and communicates the emotion better.
Reaching the end, they must improve the quality of the sound: not much vibrato but powerful, emotional. And to achieve a more appropriate ending, the last chord must be more conclusive.
Language: English
