“Piano Trio on Irish Folk Tunes” Reviewed
The performance of Frank Martin’s Piano Trio on Irish Folk Tunes by the Claremont Trio at the Lied Center is reviewed today by Dean Bevan in the Lawrence Journal World.
We spoke about Martin’s Trio on Irish Folk Tunes last week. Well okay, I spoke about it; you carried on about your business.
Bevan reckoned the Martin composition to be played by the trio in an “oddly detached style”:
A curious selection not even listed by the Claremont Trio as part of its repertoire, it comprises both distinctly Irish melodies and echoes of Schoenberg, whom Martin studied.
Its allegro movement is marked with trills and turns; the adagio incorporates a mournful cello solo that continues while the violin moves in an entirely different direction. The concluding gigue features a lively jig on violin and piano while the cello simulates a bodhran.
Later, after variations, the jig returned, this time with the cello playing long melodic lines against the violin’s brisk dancing.
Of the 3 works played on Saturday, the Irish-related composition wasn’t deemed the highlight - that was Beethoven’s “Archduke” Piano Trio in B-flat Major - and who am I to disagree as I wasn’t there. Were you?
For those following the small print in my own life, yes I am now back in Ireland - again (and again if you think about it). And the sun did keep shining, at least until it went down five hours ago. We should talk more. Or you should talk more; I should talk less.
In the meantime if you fancy watching another Irish-related composition being played you might consider attending the Wind Symphony up in Maryville, Missouri this Wednesday when they perform the Kirpatrick Fanfare
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