Polish violinist and composer Karol Jósef Lipinski (1790-1861) ran in the same circles as Spohr, Paganini, Schumann, Chopin, Berlioz, Rossini and Liszt. He composed three symphonies, multiple violin concertos, and assorted chamber music and solo violin pieces. His virtuosity was such that he was even considered a rival to Paganini, and was even honored with the sobriquet of "Polish Paganini". Why then does his name not appear in more concert programs or on more recordings? Counting this new Naxos CD, there only seems to be about a dozen recordings on the market right now that include some of his music. I'm sure that if the thoroughness of the Naxos label holds true in his case, more recordings of his other works should ensue.

These String Trios are invested with original melodies, highly virtuosic passages for the lead violin, along with expressively lyrical moments with meticulous writing for all three instruments. Lipinski disliked Paganini's "just-for-show" technique and grandstanding, therefore his own virtuosic elements are bestowed with a lush tone and a vigilant attention to musical narrative rather than sheer histrionics for their own sake. The individual movements, some lasting over 17 minutes, are well set in motion and developed with a keen sense for detail and variation. A mix of Carpathian folk elements and German classical elegance combine here to form a gratifying listening experience.

Voytek Proniewicz solo violin, Adam Roszkowski violin, and Jan Roszkowski cello, join together here in what seems to be their first encounter as a trio, and project this "new" music flawlessly. From the pointed rhythms of the Finale, Bolero from the Op. 8 to the minuet character of the Andante from the Op. 12, all aspects of this music are given proper weight and expressive detail. And all technical demands are easily dispatched with authority by Voytek Proniewicz. It also goes without saying that Naxos, once again, has gone out on a limb here to offer all of us something other than Mozart to enjoy listening to.