Mendelssohn's Fourth and Beethoven's Triple Concerto

“Superior,” “breathtaking,” and “an unceasing flow of spirituality, inventiveness, passion, and lyricism.” These are just a few of the superlatives that appear in reviews of the Van Baerle Trio’s performance of Beethoven’sTriple Concerto. Whether they perform Beethoven’s chamber music masterpiece live or on record, it remains an unforgettable experience. With Mendelssohn’sItalian Symphonyas a radiant counterpart, every musical sensibility is tickled. 

’s Mystery Why Beethoven wrote his only concerto for multiple instruments in 1803 remains a mystery. Beethoven biographer Anton Schindler claims that Beethoven wrote theTriple Concertofor his then-young pupil and later staunch supporter, Archduke Rudolf. A piano part that is simple by Beethoven’s standards, flanked by demanding string parts. Appearances can be deceiving, for the concerto contains large-scale chamber music of the highest caliber.

The highly acclaimed
Following their acclaimed series of recordings of Beethoven’s piano trios and hisTriple Concerto, the Van Baerle Trio has become almost synonymous with the composer—not only nationally but also internationally. A truly unique phenomenon. Pianist Hannes Minnaar, violinist Maria Milstein, and cellist Gideon den Herder have since established highly successful solo careers, yet they have also managed to maintain their trio—founded in 2004—at the highest level for over twenty years.