To have three different versions of Tchaikovsky’s masterly Piano Trio on disc within two months is bounty indeed, the more so as all three are very fine performances. In comparing the first two in the October issue I came out firmly in favour of the Canary Classics recording, dominated by the challenging playing of Yefim Bronfman. Yet the drawback to that disc was the absence of any coupling.

The current version from Dabringhaus und Grimm measures up extremely well against its competitor; moreover it is (like all chamber recordings from this source) very well balanced. Pianist Stefan Mendl is able to dominate yet become a full member of the partnership throughout. The second movement’s variations open gently but soon develop the widest range of style, moving through Tchaikovsky’s kaleidoscopic mood-changes like quicksilver and often with elegiac lyrical feeling.

But what makes this disc especially recommendable is the inclusion of Smetana’s G minor Piano Trio, which the composer himself premiered in 1855. All three movements are in the home key and thematically linked yet are enticingly diverse, the first with strong contrasts of dynamic and tempo, the second a most engaging scherzo (marked non agitato and with slower interludes), while the rondo finale bursts with energy (especially as presented here). All in all a real winner of a disc that can be highly recommended on all counts.