The string trio: a rarity in the chamber music world. And yet, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center has this to say:

"The string trio—violin, viola, and cello—the chamber music connoisseur's delight. In the hands of master composers (and virtuoso performers, the string trio offers a peak listening adventure of stunning variety, engrossing dialogue, and transparent beauty.”

Program

Mozart: Divertimento in Eb, K. 563

Harbison: String Trio (2013)

“The great string trios may be counted on the fingers of one hand, and Harbison's model was the greatest of all, Mozart's Divertimento in E flat, K563. Like that work, Harbison's Trio is in six movements, but their thematic material is derived from musical spellings of Lionel Messi's name (he is, says Harbison, the "Mozart of soccer"), and the way the three instruments relate to each other has more than a hint of Elliott Carter's string quartets. Harbison's string writing is less dense and confrontational, though…his Trio is elegant and clear, and seems a major addition to the string trio repertory.” —Andrew Clements, The Guardian 9.26.2014

The Aspen String Trio

David Perry, violin

Victoria Chiang, viola

Michael Mermagen, cello