Busch Trio: Beethoven

The Strad Issue: June 2026

Description: A Beethoven series continues with assurance and insight

Musicians: Busch Trio

Works: Beethoven: Piano Trios vol.2: no.2 in G major op.1 no.2, no.8 in E flat major WoO38, no.9 in B flat major WoO39, Variations in E flat major op.44, Allegretto in E flat major (Hess 48)

Catalogue number: ALPHA 1220

The principal virtues of the Busch Trio’s second Beethoven instalment mirror those expressed in these pages about vol.1 (November 2025): unanimity of purpose, perceptive stylistic awareness and an extensive expressive range. Add to those qualities technical dexterity, characterful interpretation and well-considered pacing and the outcomes are thoroughly commendable accounts, delivered with a potent mixture of authority and enthusiasm. The recording, though crystal clear, often seems to undervalue Ori Epstein’s cello contribution in the balance; most prominent in the mix, however, is his pianist brother, Omri, who impresses with brilliant dextrous passagework, especially in op.1 no.2’s outer movements.

These players seem sensitively attuned to Beethoven’s muse, especially in their characterisation of the Variations op.44, where each has individual opportunities to excel before eventually combining to ramp up the intensity and excitement. They certainly add Beethovenian sinew and drive to op.1 no.2’s outer movements, implementing its bold dynamic contrasts and stinging sforzandos to telling effect; but they also capture the humour in its waltz-like trio and final Presto and convey the melancholy of its hymnic Largo with subtlety and expressive sensitivity. They give WoO39 an appropriately simple, fluid rendition, but there is repartee a-plenty in WoO38’s rondo finale, where the cellist is fully liberated to enjoy the party.

ROBIN STOWELL