Piano Trio#1
Nicholas Underhill
About this work:
The Piano Trio (2005) consists of two contrasting movements, the first in more less Sonata Allegro form, the second a Theme and Variations. The first movement begins with macabre pizzicatos in the strings and sinister chords in the piano. It evolves into a more lyrical theme in the violin with downward rolled chords in the piano, echoed by the same theme in the cello. A resigned Codetta finishes the exposition. The gestures of the first section are elaborated in the middle section (traditionally called the development). The recaptulation of the first idea blossoms into a fugato; then the second theme reappears in the violin, followed by its statement in the piano, followed by the coda from the first section.
The second movement begins with a quasi tonal theme, wandering chromatically in and out of E Major. The phrase "Through the Prism" describes the occaisional bending of pitch into F major, which becomes more pronounced as the variations ensue. The variations transform the theme in a variety of characters, including lyrical and scherzando settings. The eighth variation, "The Frozen Waves" refers to the way the water freezes on Lake Erie, forming mounds of ice that appear as waves arrested in mid motion. A sad, deathly mood prevails, but there is still life underneath the surface. The lively Fugato Variation is like a resurrection. The longest of the variations, it acts as a third Allegro movement to the Trio, The theme returns phrase by phrase, amid interjections by the other instruments.
The Gramercy Trio has performed the piece extensively, to enthusiastic audience responses. The piece was warmly received by N.Y. Times critic Bernard Holland, in its N.Y Premiere on Feb 17, 2007 in Merkin Concert Hall in New York City
Year composed: 2005
Duration: 00:20:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Piano Trio
Instrumentation: