Search - Claremont Trio :: American Trios

As one of today's most exciting ensembles, the Claremont Trio launches their 10th anniversary 2008-2009 season with the release of their new album, "American Trios". Bringing an exhilarating freshness to classical music of our time, the CD's five diverse pieces for piano trio represent the richness and varying styles of American music. From the earthy, old-time string band style of Mason Bates' "String Band" to Leon Kirchner's poetic Trio and Trio II (the only album to ever feature both of his Trios), American Trios demonstrates the group's incomparable prowess to gracefully balance tradition and modernity. "We're so excited about the music being written in our country and our time. We wanted to record a few of our favorite pieces to introduce more people to this great music," explains Donna Kwong (piano). "All of the composers featured on this album are no strangers to our trio. We're tremendously lucky to have gotten to know all of these composers. They each have unique perspectives and fascinating ideas to share about their work." It was ten years ago when the Claremont Trio made its debut with the performance of Ellen Taaffe Zwilich's "Trio". Dramatically virtuosic yet expressive, "Trio" showcases the ensemble's zest for playful, gutsy playing. In 2001, the Trio began performing what was to become one of the most popular, infectious pieces of their repertoire, Paul Schoenfield's "Cafe Music". "Audiences always love Cafe Music. For years people have been literally begging us to record it!" says Emily Bruskin (violin). A mish-mash of blues, jazz and Broadsay, Cafe Music is a crash course in ragtime and stride piano. The Trio recently collaborated with Peter Martins, director of the New York City Ballet, to transform Cafe Music into a ballet. Representing the next generation of young composers, fellow Juilliard alumnus Mason Bates wrote "String Band" for the Claremont Trio in 2002. The American Trios project is a result of the Trio's desire to record this remarkable piece. Based on old, soulful string-band music, "String Band" imaginatively draws together the twang of banjos and fiddles and blazingly intense material for prepared piano, violin and cello - an entirely different kind of string band. The Claremotn Trio has always responded strongly to Leon Kirchner's deeply personal expressions evident in his works. In honor of Kirchner's 90th birthday, "American Trios" showcases both the initial "Trio" (1954) and its purely magical follow-up "Trio II" (1993), while the Trio is scheduled to perform these works at birthday celebrations for Kirchner inboth New York's Miller Theatre and Boston's Gardner Museum in January, 2009.