An inspired and artful ode to Beethoven

Joy and camaraderie are palpable in Yo-Yo Ma, Leonidas Kavakos and Emanuel Ax's latest release, notes Rebecca Franks

- Rebecca Franks

Beethoven for Three Symphony No.1 (arr. Shai Wosner); Piano Trios, Op.70, No. 1 'Ghost' & Op. 11 'Gassenhauer' Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Leonidas Kavakos (violin), Emanuel Ax (piano) Sony 19802908842 78:03 mins

Smiles are powerful. Radio presenters are often advised to smile, as listeners can hear it in their voices. (Wisdom that has since been underpinned by academic study.) So too are public speakers, as it helps create a connection with their audiences. And, after listening to Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos and Yo-Yo Ma's latest Beethoven album, I'm convinced that all three of them must be beaming, as their First Symphony in C major radiates infectious joy.