Beaux Arts Trio w/ Kim Kashkashian
"Faure: Piano Quartet no. 1 & Piano Trio op. 120" (CD)

One of the most venerable piano trios of the 20th century, the Beaux Arts Trio concertized for 53 years before retiring due to extreme old age.

Even more amazing was that one pianist, Menahem Pressler, performed with the ensemble for that entire time.  Both cello and violin positions were handed off to younger, capable players over the years, but Pressler remained unchanged.

The line-up on this recording, (released in 1990) is of Pressler, Ida Kavafian and Peter Wiley (a cellist I later got to observe working as cellist with the Guarneri Quartet.)  They are joined for Faure's first piano quartet by a 28-year old Kim Kashkashian, at the time enjoying a blossoming career on the recital/concertizing circuit due to recent wins in international viola competitions.

I once performed Faure's piano quintet and must acknowledge that I don't routinely encounter repertoire from Faure that I don't enjoy, so this album, while maybe not the most grab-you-by-the-seat-of-your-you-know-whats is full of music that one could spend a good amount of time learning.