Rachmaninoff: Piano Trios 1 & 2/Romances, Opp. 21 & 38

If there's one thing we love more than a good old piano trio, it's a good old Rachmaninoff piano trio. And let me tell you, the dynamic duo of Christoph Croise, Andrey Baranov, and Alexander Panfilov absolutely nail it on their latest album. From the breathtaking opening notes of Piano Trio No. 1, you can tell these three muso maestros mean business. The interplay between Croise's cello, Baranov's violin, and Panfilov's piano is a sight (or rather, sound) to behold. They manage to capture the sweeping romanticism of Rachmaninoff's music while injecting their own unique flair into the mix. But it's not just the trios that shine on this album - oh no. The Romances Opp. 21 & 23 showcase the trio's versatility, with each musician getting their chance to shine solo. Baranov's violin sings like a bird, Croise's cello weaves a rich tapestry of sound, and Panfilov's piano tinkles and trills with perfect precision. In short, if you're looking for a musical experience that will transport you to a bygone era of opulence and grandeur, look no further than this album. Croise, Baranov, and Panfilov have truly outdone themselves, delivering a performance that is both technically flawless and emotionally stirring. Rachmaninoff would be proud.