Beethoven: Piano Trio Op. 11

[monkeydudexd]

Hey everyone, this is my trio playing Beethoven's Piano Trio Op. 11, Mvt 1 - Allegro con brio
We went to a professional recording studio because we're entering this competition that requires a recording. Please tell me what you think! Suggestions are welcome, and tell me if you think we have a chance

Thanks!

[omar_roy]

I only have one very broad suggestion, and it may be a personal bias so take it as you will:

I would have liked a little bit more attention to harmonies bringing out certain chord progressions a bit more or giving a certain harmony a little more lushness.  I know it's a very vague remark, and i apologize for not having any specific examples.

I also feel like either the cellist was a little meek, or was not ideally mic'd or was just not in an ideal position for the recording.

Overall, though, I think it was excellent and I really enjoyed listening to it! You guys have a great sense of dialog and what's going on in each other's parts. 

[monkeydudexd]

Haha I don't really understand what you mean by hord progrEssions, but you're definitely right about the cello. He plays too weak sometimes and the clarinet overpowers him a lot

[monkeydudexd]

Please comment!

[prongated]

Your short notes throughout the piece tend to be very abruptly short (e.g. the chords before the 2nd theme - the cello and clarinet play their notes at good length there, you should match them!). Speaking of the 2nd theme, you should wait longer before you begin that theme. The metronome says you come in on time, but the ear says you come in early. Listen to the silence, the rest, then you will experience that magic surprise in harmony. There is at least 1 other place in this movement, but I can't remember where. In any case, I think such timing as guided by the ear is very important to know in general.

Hey, I wonder if you're nervous in this recording session? I'd love more emphasis at those sf chords in the closing of the exposition and recap. Yours sound rigid in this recording. It's not a matter of more sound, however. Try doing it agogically; place the first "surprise" chord slightly.

Otherwise there are many very good things here! I personally like those scales to be more articulate, and certain parts to be drier (without pedal)...but it's good! I'm guessing you guys are in senior high school? Good work! What competition are you attempting?