One year after its first Chandos recording, the young Neave Trio explores some of the most prominent French composers of the early 20th century in their new album. It begins with the ever-popular trio in D by Fauré, an exploration of the deformation of high and low sounds composed at the end of his life when beset by deafness. Neave’s accurate and balanced interpretations perfectly capture the complexity and tension of the piece which in late Fauré comes abundantly from texture and movement. This is followed by Debussy’s early piano trio, performed with a bright and radiant approach that provides great moments of lightness and clarity. But the dominant piece here is the much lesserknown trio by Roussel: only the second of his completed works to be published. Offering a unique musical world of contrasting shapes and colours elegantly thought through and at times atmospheric, this is a gem not to be missed. Recording: Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk; 19 – 21 October 2017. Played on Steinway Model D (592 087) concert grand piano.
