description Trio Fontenay Overview
Trio Fontenay was a German classical piano trio founded in Hamburg in 1980 by pianist Wolf Harden, violinist Michael Mücke, and cellist Niklas Schmidt. Named after a street near the Hamburg conservatory, the ensemble performed internationally and developed a substantial recording catalogue. Its repertoire included central works for piano, violin, and cello by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Mendelssohn, and other composers of the Classical and Romantic traditions.
insights Ranking position
Trio Fontenay ranks #27 of 146 in the Piano Trio ranking, behind Smetana Trio, ahead of Trio con Brio Copenhagen.
help Trio Fontenay FAQ
Who were the original members of Trio Fontenay?
The ensemble began with pianist Wolf Harden, violinist Michael Mücke, and cellist Niklas Schmidt. They formed the trio in Hamburg in 1980.
Where did the name Trio Fontenay come from?
Fontenay was the name of a street near the Hamburg conservatory where the musicians first rehearsed. The name also suggested the French word associated with a spring or source.
Did Trio Fontenay keep the same cellist throughout its career?
No, Jens-Peter Maintz replaced founding cellist Niklas Schmidt in the late 1990s. Wolf Harden and Michael Mücke remained the pianist and violinist.
Which Trio Fontenay recording won major recognition?
Its Teldec recording of Beethoven's piano trios received the German Record Critics' Award in 1994. The ensemble also performed complete Beethoven cycles at venues including Wigmore Hall and the Concertgebouw.
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