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Press Release

October 16, 2023

For Immediate Release

Press Contact:

Gail Wein - (646) 484-9691

ClassicalCommunications@gmail.com

Weiss Kaplan Stumpf Trio releases complete set of Beethoven's piano trios

Three-disc set includes “Ghost” and “Archduke” trios and Variations Op. 44 and Op. 121a

Released in the USA on November 3 (December 15 in UK) on Bridge Records

"Three strong voices, locked in sequence" — The New York Times

The internationally acclaimed Weiss Kaplan Stumpf Trio, praised by The Washington Post for its “great ensemble playing,” recorded all of Beethoven's piano trios. The three-disc set will be released on Bridge Records on November 3, 2023 in the USA (December 15 in the UK).

Yael Weiss, the pianist of the Weiss Kaplan Stumpf Trio, addresses the enduring nature of Beethoven's work. "His music feels so close to us, reflecting our daily realities and experiences of the present" she wrote in the album's liner notes. Mark Kaplan, the trio's violinist, speaks to the idea of recording every one of Beethoven's piano trios: "What could be more miraculous or visionary than a complete cycle of works by Beethoven?"

Highlights of the set include the well-known "Ghost" and "Archduke" trios, as well as two sets of variations for piano trio: the "Kakadu Variations" Op. 121a, and Fourteen Variations in E-flat major Op. 44.

Contact ClassicalCommunications@gmail.com to request a physical CD or digital copy of this recording.

"an immensely accomplished ensemble" — International Record Review

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Complete Piano Trios

Weiss Kaplan Stumpf Trio

(Yael Weiss, piano; Mark Kaplan, violin; Peter Stumpf, cello)

Bridge Records (Bridge 9505A/C)

Release date: November 3, 2023

(released December 15, 2023 in the UK)

Listen to/download digital album

(private link, please do not post/share)

Read the Liner Notes

Download Cover Art

View Weiss Kaplan Stumpf Trio's Digital Press Kit

Request a copy of this CD

TRACKS

DISC A (77:30)

[01-03] Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 70, No. 1 "Ghost" (28:53)

[04] "Kakadu Variations" in G Major, Op. 121a (17:51)

[05-08] Piano Trio in E-flat Marjo, Op. 1, No. 1 (30:39)

DISC B (76:20)

[01-04] Piano Trio in G major, Op. 1, No. 2 (33:07)

[05-08] Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97, "Archduke" (42:37)

DISC C (75:59)

[01-04] Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1, No. 3 (30:38)

[05] Fourteen Variations in E-flat Major, Op. 44 (13:26)

[06-09] Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op. 70, No. 2 (31:50)

Artist Biography

Combining the talents of three award-winning soloists, the Weiss Kaplan Stumpf Trio brings to each performance its distinctive fusion of authority and experience, energy, and passion. The trio embraces the music of the future while offering fresh insights into three centuries of masterworks.

Hailed as “three strong voices, locked in sequence” (The New York Times) the trio has earned widespread critical acclaim in performances throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East since its inception in 2001. Recital programs have been featured in major venues such as the Kennedy Center and Wigmore Hall, as well as at festivals including the Changwon and Jeju Island festivals in Korea, and the Festival of the Sound in Canada. The group’s commitment to Beethoven has included performances of his Triple Concerto in the United States and Europe, including a Prague Festival appearance praised for its “rare timbral refinement, nobility and virtuosic brilliance” (Lidove noviny, Prague).

Committed to new music, the ensemble has commissioned large-scale works for trio and trio with orchestra from distinguished composers Lera Auerbach, Paul Chihara, Michael Gilbertson, Michael Hersch, and Paul Lansky, and they have recorded these works and others by American composer Fred Lerdahl, Chen Yi, Clancy Newman and Paul Schoenfeld.