The reputation of Tomás Bretón (1850-1923) has survived largely through the enduring popularity in Spain of his opera La Dolores and zarzuela La verbena de la paloma (see page 106). However, he produced not only a wider range of works but also ones less deeply immersed in Spanish influences. His Piano Trio in E major is a prime example of his attempts to enter the mainstream of European classicism, its flavour as much Viennese or French as anything. We have had the work on CD before, in a performance by Hungarian artists for Marco Polo (6/95 – nla), coupled with the String Quartet in D major.

The Hungarians approached the work with the earnest application of performers perhaps less intimately familiar with the music, by comparison with which the LOM Piano Trio of native Spaniards seem altogether more deeply inside it. Their allegro is less hard-driven, their andante more natural, and the playing altogether con amore. The recorded sound, too, is more rounded, and the deliciously Schubertian bounce to the piano-playing gives the beautiful andante second movement an especially ravishing effect.

The coupling is a collection of four Spanish Pieces that sets the nationalist Bretón alongside the internationalist of the Piano Trio. This is superior light music, from which Ataúlfo Argenta recorded two movements orchestrally in the 1950s. Those interested in Bretón’s more ambitious chamber output may need to seek out the Marco Polo CD; but this inexpensive newcomer offers an utterly delightful taster of what he has to offer.