Viliam Figuš-Bystrý belongs to the founding generation of Slovak national music at the turn of the twentieth century. Chamber music occupies a significant place in his oeuvre, reflecting both the traditions of European Classicism and Romanticism and the influence of nineteenth-century composers and later national-romantic schools. As an active pianist and chamber musician, he created works that rank among the most important Slovak contributions to the genre.

This double album presents the Piano Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 48 (1918), String Trio No. 1 in G major, Op. 58 (1921–1936), and String Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 108 (1936–1937). The Piano Quartet stands among the most representative chamber works of Slovak music from the first half of the twentieth century, while the two string trios demonstrate the composer’s mature technique, melodic inventiveness, and deep understanding of chamber style.

The recording is performed by distinguished chamber musicians Paolo Vuono (violin), Martin Ruman (viola), Andrej Gál (cello), and Peter Javorka (piano). These works were published for the first time by Music Centre Slovakia between 2022 and 2023. The recording also represents a modern premiere of the Piano Quartet in E-flat major in its complete original version.

Performers

Paolo Vuono – violin
Martin Ruman – viola
Andrej Gál – cello
Peter Javorka – piano (CD 1)

Track Listing

CD 1

Piano Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 48

1. Allegro ma non troppo (14:22)
2. Adagio (9:08)
3. Scherzo. Allegro (7:37)
4. Finale. Rondo. Allegretto (10:44)

CD 2

String Trio No. 1 in G major, Op. 58

1. Allegro ma non troppo (6:41)
2. Poco adagio (5:30)
3. Scherzo. Allegretto (3:50)
4. Allegro moderato (5:08)

String Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 108

5. Allegro moderato (9:05)
6. Molto adagio (6:23)
7. Scherzo. Allegretto (3:52)
8. Rondo. Allegro (6:50)