What our critics are listening to

02.05.10
Emanuel Ax
Democrat and Chronicle

By Anna Reguero

EMANUEL AX, YO-YO MA, ITZHAK PERLMAN: MENDELSSOHN PIANO TRIOS.

This is the heavyweight version of the Mendelssohn Piano Trios — three of today's most widely known and celebrated classical musicians on one disc is almost too good to be true. The recording lives up to the hype. These trios are impeccably performed and full of zest, thanks to the joyous music-making among these three friends. In jazz, it's called playing in the pocket when music feels so good; that's what to expect here. I have my reservations about Ma's previous CD, which won a Grammy, but this is one that deserves accolades.