- Founded: 1961 in New York, NY
- Disbanded: 1984
Biography
The Istomin -- Stern -- Rose Trio was a unique threesome of musicians whose names had been well established on the concert stage as distinguished soloists when they decided to unite in 1961 for the purpose of exploring the staples of the piano/string trio repertory. The three gave many memorable concerts, appeared on television and radio broadcasts, and made numerous recordings, many of which are still available. Since each of the three maintained active, highly successful careers as soloists during their trio years (1961-1984), their chamber performance schedule was limited. For that reason and because of their lofty reputations, each concert drew major notice; each recording attracted impressive sales. During 23 years of activity, the group became especially well known for performances of the trio repertory of Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, and Brahms. The trio performed not only chamber works but orchestral compositions, as well (the Beethoven Triple Concerto was a favorite), with conductors like Eugene Ormandy and Bruno Walter. It recorded exclusively for Columbia/CBS, much of whose catalog is available on Sony Classical.The individual members of the trio were pianist Eugene Istomin, violinist Isaac Stern, and cellist Leonard Rose. Stern was the superstar of the group, becoming arguably the most prominent violinist of his generation and rivaling the legendary Jascha Heifetz. Eugene Istomin was a Leventritt Award winner (1943) and well-known concert and recording artist by the late '50s. Before launching his solo career Rose was principal cellist for the Cleveland Orchestra and New York Philharmonic, who turned soloist and became a major recording artist from 1951.
The three first came together in the 1950s and privately performed much of the trio repertory for their own enjoyment. After they officially established their ensemble, they toured regularly, giving many highly acclaimed concerts. One of them was a 1965 televised concert over the CBC, in which they performed the Beethoven Trio in C minor, Op. 1/3, and the Brahms Trio in C major, Op. 87. In 2005 Video Artists International issued a DVD of this concert.
In 1970 the three recorded all the Beethoven trios and the following year received a Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance. Throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s the group continued to give numerous highly successful concerts and made many further acclaimed recordings, but in 1984 its association ended with the death of Rose. ~ Robert Cummings, All Music Guide
Discography
Beethoven: Complete Piano Trios [DVD Video] Buy this CD |
