The Art of the Trio: Brahms & Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky’s Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello is a gigantic piece of music considering the size of the ensemble. Written in memory of Tchaikovsky’s friend and teacher Nicholas Rubinstein, the piece is full of rich textures and wonderful melodies, but there is a poignant emotionality present throughout, culminating in a finale drenched in despair and mourning. Brahms’ touching and beautiful Trio precedes this mammoth piece, while Ruth Gipp’s playful dialogue between winds and harp, representing the story of Pan & Apollo’s competition, opens the program.