Giuseppe MARTUCCI   Piano Trio No.1 in C Major, Op.59
Giuseppe MARTUCCI   Piano Trio No.2 in B flat Major, Op.62

Marq Paquin, violin
Orfilia Saiz Vega, cello
Domenico Codispoti, piano

NAXOS, 2015

 

Since the Mezzena-Bonucci’s 1996 recordings of both trios on the Dynamic label are not easily sourced, Trio Vega’s superb performances have no real competition. Their full-bodied yet carefully balanced interpretations take the specificity of the composer’s dynamic and expressive markings on faith, while leaving plenty of room for personal nuance, such as in cellist Orfilia Saiz Vega’s rich-toned solo work in both trios’ slow movements. One also should mention violinist Marc Paquin’s discreetly varied vibrato and Domenico Codispoti’s adroit handling of Martucci’s often demanding piano parts…
…Needless to say, Trio Vega’s splendid advocacy of these obscure yet unquestionably first-rate works warrants an enthusiastic recommendation.

Jed Distler, CLASSICS TODAY

As a composer Martucci came to prominence in 1877 with a Piano Quintet that became part of a handful of chamber music scores that was to include two Piano Trios of substantial length. Their parentage came from Brahms, though Martucci was obviously gifted in creating four-movement works in this genre. Thematically he had a great deal to say, his melodic material being both pleasing and instantly memorable. He had also mastered the craft of using all three instruments without anyone becoming the dominant voice, and in that respect was rather more successful than Brahms. Indeed I am tempted to say that the Second—the more immediately attractive—deserves a place in the standard repertoire in the place of the popular trios from that period. Much of this favourable opinion does come from the performances by the Trio Vega, their warm and beautiful tonal quality so ideal for the music.

Davide Denton, David’s Review Corner