Josef Bohuslav Foerster (1859 – 1951) enriched the development of Czech chamber music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by a large number of works, including three piano trios: in Fminor, Op. 8 (1883); B flat major, Op. 38 (1894); and A minor, Op. 105 (1921). Their music reflects the process of the composer’s maturing, and echoes major inspirational impulses of the time (Foerster’s circle of friends included Gustav Mahler). Foerster’s compositions, not excepting the piano trios, are built on solid philosophical foundations, attesting to his integrity as an artistand as a man. On the whole, they furnish a most valuable evidence of the development of Czech music within a broader international context. This its the first complete presentation of Foerster’s piano trios on CD.
Josef Bohuslav Foerster
Piano trio No.1 in F minor, Op. 8
1. Allegro 06:30
2. Allegro con brio 04:57
3. Adagio molto 05:50
4. Allegro con brio 09:25
Josef Bohuslav Foerster
Piano trio No.2 in B flat major, Op. 38
5. Allegro energico 08:10
6. Allegro molto 09:16
7. Adagio. Piu mosso. Adagio 08:12
Josef Bohuslav Foerster
Piano trio No.3 in A minor, Op. 105
8. Assai moderato, ma con ardore interno 07:03
9. Andante sostenuto 10:14
10. Allegro risoluto 06:55