Rautio Piano Trio
Jane Gordon (violin)
Victoria Simonsen (cello)
Jan Rautio (fortepiano)

Beethoven’s two Op. 70 Piano Trios emerge from a world shadowed by inner turmoil and spectral imagination. Written in 1808 at the height of his creative powers, the celebrated ‘Ghost’ Trio draws its haunting sobriquet from the desolate Largo assai, whose eerie atmosphere prompted Carl Czerny to recall the ghost’s appearance in Hamlet.

Rumours of Beethoven’s fascination with Macbeth linger around the work’s sketches, deepening its air of mystery and foreboding. Yet these shadows are framed by music of radiant vitality, wit and luminous lyricism. Together, the Op. 70 trios reveal Beethoven poised between darkness and transcendence: music haunted by despair, yet animated by defiance, humanity and irrepressible creative force.

Performed here on period instruments by the Rautio Piano Trio, this album continues the Trio’s survey into these masterful works.

Album Booklet (PDF)

About the Artists: Rautio Piano Trio