Trio Pangea explores the rich variety to be found in a century of Portuguese chamber music history. Armando José Fernandes was one of the most prominent Portuguese composers of the mid-20th century, and with its contrasting musical playfulness and serene solemnity his Sonata a Tre reveals the composer’s strong attachment to neo-Classicism. Nuno Côrte-Real’s Sonata Holandesa is representative of a shifting compositional style that ranges in expression from violent to dreamlike. One of Liszt’s last pupils, José Viana da Mota has been described as ‘utterly Brahmsian’ in the noble opening to his Piano Trio, elements of which also reflect the influence of his teacher.

Vol.1 of the series (Naxos 8573402) makes ‘an excellent case for this music, with performances that are capable and communicative. Recommended’ (Fanfare), and with all of the pieces ‘superbly played by Trio Pangea, with a recording quality to match’ (MusicWeb International). Vol.2, which can be heard on 8574014, was summed up as ‘encouraging’ with its more familiar composers by American Record Guide.

Trio Pangea:
- Léo Belthoise (violin)
- Sara Chordà (cello)
- Bruno Belthoise (piano)