On this Disc

Trio for Flute, Cello & Piano

Originally written in 2002, this four-movement work, like all the pieces on this disc, was substantially revised for this recording. It has a somewhat light, Gallic character, as perhaps befits the medium: the opening Allegretto is a sonata movement in fast triple time, including an exposition repeat (I have started to appreciate the psychological value to performers as well as to listeners, of literal repeats!) There follows a lyrical and expansive slow movement, a serenade-like waltz, and a fast, mercurial finale.

Sonata for violin and piano

This was originally written in 1998 but has since undergone extensive and protracted re- writing. As one grows, one’s ears change, they hear and expect different things. I like to think that I have learned in the interim to make the notes ‘work harder.’ A broad, somewhat Brahmsian Allegro opens this Sonata: an unashamedly melodic Andante enfolds a more rhetorical central section, the Finale begins as an aqueous lullaby, turning into a scurrying, exuberant Allegro: the lullaby is recalled towards the end as a chorale in the piano, with pizzicato comments in the violin.

Piano Trio

This work is a conflation of two separate works from the mid-90’s: ‘dead wood’ has been subsequently excised and contrasts have been integrated to create what I hope is a convincing single work: composers from the past wouldn’t have thought twice about such an undertaking. So, the opening Allegro moderato is an extensive revision of what I wrote in 1994, particularly in textural terms: it is also now more concise, although still expansive (I heard and wrote much of this work against the ‘background’ of the trios of Haydn and Schubert). Secondly comes a movement originally entitled ‘Mind Games’, referring to the complex rhythmic layering and juxtaposition of the opening rhythmic motif. The Finale consists of a slow, intensely elegiac, heterophonic melody which eventually thaws into a more relaxed, diatonic Allegretto, the first time I have made use of large-scale tonal contrasts: the whole movement is dedicated to the memory of a much-admired composer, Nicholas Maw.”

Recorded at Coombehurst Studio, Kingston University, February, 2011 by Rowland Sutherland and Fidelio Trio. Produced by Nicola Moro.

Track Listing

Trio for Flute, Cello & Piano
01 Allegretto Vivace 4.54
02 Andante 3.57
03 Alla Valse 3.22
04 Presto 3.07

Sonata for violin and piano
05 Allegro Moderato ma con moto 4.58
06 Melodia: Allegretto 3.04
07 Andante Tranquillamente – Allegro molto 5.18

Piano Trio
08 Allegro Moderato 5.43
09 Allegretto 3.33
10 Adagio – Al legret to grazioso 8.08

Total running time 46.02 minutes