Ferdinand Ries (1784-1873)
         Piano Quartets

Piano Quartet in F minor, Op. 13
Piano Quartet in E flat major, Op. 17

Daniel Raiskin, viola
Mendelssohn Trio Berlin:
Stephan Picard, violin
Ramon Jaffe, cello
Andreas Frolich, piano
Recorded March 2002
Released March 2003
CPO 999885 [51:51]

Summary: Attractive music given outstanding performances in superlative
sound

In recent years, CPO has been the primary champion of the music of
Ferdinand Ries with discs of his chamber music and symphonies.  Each
release has been well received, and the newest to hit the marketplace
is a recording of Ries Piano Quartets.  For reasons provided later in
this review, I find the new disc of Piano Quartets the most rewarding
to date from CPO.

Ries came from a musical family and was mentored by Beethoven himself.
Although their relationship was close while in the student - master mode,
Ries eventually was given a music position that Beethoven wanted for
himself.  From that point on, Beethoven consistently bad-mouthed Ries
to others and even promoted the idea that Ries' music imitated Beethoven's.
To his credit, Ries appears to have remained a Beethoven supporter based
on all the generosity he received in earlier times.

As for the music of Ries, it is beautifully crafted and flows in a
natural manner.  He likes strong contrasts and slashing rhythms; I'm all
for that.  His melodies are very attractive, although not implanted in the
mind of the listener.  The two Piano Quartets on the new disc are generally
upbeat in mood, but Ries injects sufficient drama to keep interest alive.
In terms of comparisons, Ries is about on the same level as Hummel,
Spohr, and Reicha.

Although his music is mighty fine, the reasons for my great enthusiasm
for the recording really have little to do with Ries.  What makes this
disc special are the soundstage and the performances.  The sound is
simply spectacular - wonderful clarity, definition, depth, and crispness.
Each instrument has its own sound corridor and detail is magnificent.
Upon reflection, I consider the sound characteristics the best I have
ever heard from a chamber music recording.

The performances are at an equally high level.  The elements of teamwork
and individuality are expertly balanced.  Most important, the buoyancy
of the interpretations is a delight for the senses and absolutely essential
to put Ries in his best light.  With sound and performance so good, Ries
almost becomes one of the master composers of any century.

Don's Conclusions: Chamber music enthusiasts and those who have a warm
feeling for the transitional period between the classical and romantic
eras should give serious thought to acquiring the newest CPO/Reicha disc.
The sound quality and performances on their own provide sufficient
pleasures to recommend the recording.

I do feel compelled to drag out my traditional recommendation that the
best disc I ever heard among the recordings of Spohr, Hummel, Reicha,
and Ries is a Chandos offering of two Hummel piano concertos performed
by Stephen Hough with Bryden Thomson conducting the English Chamber
Orchestra.  I've had this disc for over 10 years, and its appeal has
yet to recede.

Don Satz
[log in to unmask]