Frank Martin:
Trio sur des mélodies populaires irlandaises, for Piano Trio

Pancho Vladigerov:
Piano Trio in B flat Minor, Op. 4

Joaquin Turina:
Piano Trio in B Minor, Op. 76

For this CD, we have decided to record three works written between 1916 and 1926. In that period marked by the First World War and its aftermath, it is remarkable to note these three composers’ widely varying creative approaches and ideas.

Composed during a summer stay at the French seaside resort of Capbreton, Frank Martin’s piano trio has accompanied us on our journey as an ensemble ever since we were students. Its unique melodic approach combined with complex rhythms based on Irish and Celtic folk music always remain a wonderful challenge and never cease to rekindle our enjoyment in making music together!

Two of us – Gergana and Pavlin – have been familiar with the music of Pancho Vladigerov ever since early childhood. His sole piano trio, a monumental work in A Minor, captivates us with its original melodies and harmonies. Although Vladigerov finished writing it during his studies in Berlin, we also find that it has unmistakable traces of Bulgarian folklore. With joy and enthusiasm, we have incorporated it into our repertoire; now, with this recording, we are thrilled to make it known to a wider audience of interested music lovers.

Joaquin Turina’s frequently performed Second Piano Trio is a work we discovered somewhat by chance in 2011. After only one rehearsal we were already fascinated with this colorful, highly emotional composition that presents Spanish harmonies and rhythms in a thoroughly authentic way, as in the dancelike Scherzo in typical 5/8 meter. We always look forward to playing this work, renewing our acquaintance with it as with an old beloved friend, and having the opportunity to share it with the audience! (Forword of Trio Image)

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Recording: 13.-15. October 2021, SWR Studio Kaiserslautern.