Album: Emanuel Ax, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Mendelssohn Piano Trios (Sony Classical)

There's enough accumulated star power involved here to illuminate an entire city, so it's slightly disappointing to find it expended on a pair of Mendelssohn piano trios which are hardly the most exciting or innovative of pieces. Their conservative cast is, however, well- served by the star players: it's obvious these three at ease in each others' instrumental company, particularly on the indulgently Romantic, Schumann-influenced Piano Trio No 1 in D minor. But the tone of genial bonhomie seems to compound the comfortable nature of Mendelssohn's later works, and the result is two disciplined, able performances which challenge neither players nor listeners.

Download this Piano Trio No 1 in D minor