The five volumes of Beethoven’s Piano Trios by the Van Baerle Trio have been collected into this 5-CD set. The Trio’s widely acclaimed survey has quickly become both critics’ and consumers’ reference to these works in the crowded CD market of Beethoven’s Trios.

The young Van Baerle Trio, comprising stunning soloists (Hannes Minnaar on piano, Maria Milstein on violin and Gideon den Herder on cello), have completed their Beethoven Piano Trio recordings. Now, Challenge Classics releases a box including the five volumes of their remarkable survey including the three youthful Trios op.1, the two great Trios op.70, the absolute masterpiece which is the Trio op.97, named ‘Archduke’.

Together with such ‘official’ and original works, there are also Beethoven’s own transcriptions of his own works: the Clarinet Trio op.11, the Trio arrangements of the Septet op.20 and of the Symphony no.2. You will also find some light, occasional pieces like the Allegrettos in E flat and in B flat, the Variations op.44 and op.121a. The most unexpected work included in the box is the Triple Concerto, as the musicians consider it as a real piece of ‘augmented’ chamber music.

“I believe this is one of the great piano trio performances in the history of recording. This is a recording that should be in everyone’s collection.” - Fanfare

“The effect is liberating and, in these joyous, playful performances, utterly refreshing. The effect is of real chamber music - up close and very personal.” - Gramophone

“To my ears the Van Baerle Trio is amongst the top rank in terms of performance and recorded quality.” - MusicWeb International

“The second volume is also exceptionally good. With great mastery, the Van Baerle Trio balances perfectly on the border between symphonic grandeur and chamber music transparency.” - Luister