Colin Clarke is already adding The Hermitage Piano Trio’s Spanish Impressions release to his 2024 Fanfare Want List!
“There are revelations galore from this trio of musicians who, although none of them are actually from Spain, are all fascinated by the region and its music. That enthusiasm permeates this fascinating disc.… The Trois Pièces orginales dans le genre espagnol (1886) is a masterpiece. This is Arbós’ op. 1, and what a way to get going. The three pieces make a satisfying whole, and all three are suffused with the spirit of Spain. The Hermitage Piano Trio members understand the importance of the fundamental rhythms, but also project the depth of this music’s rich tapestry of themes and their handling. The outgoing “Bolero” is followed by a slinkily seductive “Habanera” and beautiful “Seguidillas gitanas.” Robust on the outside, it contains passages of melting beauty. Pianist Ilya Kazantsev’s articulation is miraculous, while Misha Keylin and Sergey Antonov work beautifully together in parallel lines. … top of the tree for all four works on this recording. Documentation is way beyond criticism for content; the recording is faultless, as is the playing. A very special disc and one henceforth shortlisted for my 2024 Want List.”