The Strad Recommends: Rautio Piano Trio: Beethoven

THE STRAD RECOMMENDS

The Strad Issue: September 2026

Description: A period-instrument survey continues most impressively

Musicians: Rautio Piano Trio

Works: Beethoven: Piano Trios vol.3: op.70 no.1 ‘Ghost’, op.70 no.2, WoO39, Hess48

Catalogue number: RESONUS RES10386

This is the third volume in the period-instrument Rautio Piano Trio’s survey of Beethoven’s works for the medium. With the previous releases advancing chronologically we arrive here at the two op.70 trios, with the bonus of two short posthumously published pieces.

Op.70 no.2 is a less impactful work than its partner but the Rautio’s playing is very attractive, from the keening opening lines of the first movement’s slow introduction to the bubbling undercurrent in the finale. The rustic Hungarian influence in the second movement is emphasised by the bracing sound of the fortepiano, a copy of a Conrad Graf from 1819. But the ‘Ghost’ is the highlight, opening with a bold stamp and sweep but full of subtle colouring, such as the brief other-worldly passage just before the first-movement coda. Tremolos gain a new definition and sheen, whether offering rattling bite or subtler undertones. Violinist and cellist cleave seamlessly together in the ghostly second movement, which acquires a gothic (but not hammy) atmosphere – in a spacious but eerily corporeal pulse.

The two novelties – a minuet-like Allegretto and a short, good-natured sonata-form movement, are nice additions. Sadly the booklet notes cover op.70 no.1 and nothing else.

Edward Bhesania