Album Notes

The Mirecourt Trio -- Kenneth Goldsmith, violin, Terry King, cello, John Jensen, piano -- has commissioned and premiered more than 100 works. Since its formation in 1973, the trio has toured Europe, Asia, and the United States, and has gained an international reputation as one of the world's finest ensembles. This CD brings together three of the finest works commissioned by the trio.

Janika Vandervelde's Genesis II is one in a series of pieces exploring life cycles and cycles of change. It is based on a crystalline, rotating body of pitches and rhythms in the piano---a "clockwork" over which are layered free-flowing melodies in the violin and cello. Thus as the work evolves, both circular and linear models of time are presented.

James Drew's Ex Profundis...The Orangethorpe Aria for Soprano, Clarinet, and Piano Trio is fundamentally concerned with the human experience, with all of its failings, disillusionments, hopes, and dreams. The formal construction of the Aria is divided into three parts: first, a dramatic statement (soprano and ensemble); followed by an instrumental sinfonia (clarinet and cello); and finally a last dramatic statement (soprano and ensemble).

Paul Reale's Concerto Dies Irae for Piano Trio and Wind Ensemble is divided into three large sections which correspond roughly to three movements, and there is thematic material which is unique to each. Simultaneously, the materials combine together as the piece progresses, since all of the materials have some association with the Dies Irae motive. While traditional-sounding materials are used throughout, the development and overlay of the materials gives more the impression of a kaleidoscopic mosaic.