The music of Zwilich,
Pärt,
Kirchner, and
Silverman has little in common from a compositional standpoint. What unites these four composers is the fact that each of them composed a piano trio that was either commissioned by or dedicated to the
Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio. Each of these living composers has enjoyed remarkable success, and commissions by each of them are extensive. The first work on the album, by Ellen Zwilich, starts with an energetic and highly motivic Allegro followed immediately by a serene and placid Lento that draws its materials from the first movement. The cyclical use of materials continues in the incessant Presto finale. Perhaps the most interesting piece on the program, the
Pärt trio is actually a complete quotation/transcription of the Adagio from the
Mozart Piano Sonata, K. 280.
Pärt adds segments of his own original work as well as adding sparingly to
Mozart with his own touch of harmonic language. The result is a wonderfully poignant piece of music. Another successful work on the disc is
Silverman's In Celebration, perhaps one of the most eclectic pieces in the repertoire, drawing on everything from twelve-tone serialism to boogie woogie. Those familiar with the
Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio will find no surprises here. The performances are generally quite solid and musically engaging. There is a slight tendency for
Laredo to sound sharp when playing in unison or octaves with
Robinson; however, this is not a major detractor. The trio does honor to the composers with this album of works written for and premiered by the musicians.