Debussy wrote the piano trio in G major when he was just 18 years of age. It is not so often played, but is sweet and sentimental, and a perfect composition to enjoy and nice sunny almost summer afternoon. Following this impressionistic chamber piece, we will switch it up to American composer Amy Beach, who was a virtuosic pianist, who composed over 300 works of music, of which her piano trio opus 150 will be performed at this concert. Amy Beach composed this piece later in life at the age of 70, just as WWII broke out.

The piece de resistance for our final concert is the Archduke Piano Trio by Beethoven, a four movement piece which premiered on April 11, 1814, in Vienna. The premiere of the Archduke Trio was one of Beethoven's final concert performances as a pianist, because of his increasing deafness. Dedicated to Archduke Rudolf of Austria-Beethoven's benefactor, student, and friend-it was the last of Beethoven's piano trios, and it remains one of his best-known chamber works.The composer himself was the pianist at the premiere, which was given as part of a charity concert in Vienna. It was one of Beethoven's final concert appearances as a performer, for his increasing deafness made it virtually impossible for him to play. Some observers at the premiere commented on a lack of clarity and precision in his technique, yet the composition itself was roundly praised, and the composer's friends recounted later that the experience led him to discontinue public performances. Structured in four movements, rather than three as was more customary for chamber works, the trio is in grand concept almost a symphony for three musicians, more than just a trio. Its first movement is a majestic sonata form in which the piano is often the most prominent of the players. Melodies often begin in the piano before moving to one or the other of the strings for further elaboration. The second movement is a carefree scherzo in which the strings begin with dancelike themes that only belatedly move to the piano. Its middle section is more darkly dramatic, before the return of the playful opening theme. A serene and songlike andante, with initial focus upon the piano, appears with the third movement. Nimbler lines occupy the central section of that movement, though sorrowful moods dominate the movement's closing. Those sorrows are quickly dispelled by the playful aura of the final movement.

The Westshore Piano Trio features Jay DeWire on the piano, Heather Haughn on the violin, and Diana Flesner on the cello. Members of the trio received degrees from the Eastman School of Music, the New England Conservatory, the San Francisco Conservatory, Rice University Shepherd School of Music, the University of Illinois and the University of Maryland. They have been coached by esteemed musicians such as Isaac Stern, Lynn Blakeslee, Brian Ganz and members of famous quartets from Juilliard to Tokyo. We are very fortunate to have been able to book the Westshore Piano Trio this year and hope you will join us for a beautiful afternoon of chamber music. Our concerts are all free of charge and open to the public.

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Category: Live Music | Classical