The third series of Brilliant Young Pianists opens on October 26 with a break from the norm: a recital by a trio of young musicians – Trio Amicorum. The series is again presented in St Peter’s Church by the Marlborough Brandt Group and St Peter’s Trust and raise funds for both organisations. It is sponsored by Hiscox Insurance.
The Trio Amicorum will be playing an early Beethoven trio and the 1992 trio by the Russian composer Alfred Schnittke.
The Trio Amicorum consists of Guildhall School of Music and Drama students Hikaru Matsukawa (violin), Gamaliel Rendle Traynor (cello) and Jonathan Morris (piano.)
Jonathan told Marlborough News Online that the three had formed the trio during their first year at the Guildhall School really because they were just good friends. Hence, he pointed out gently, the name: “It means trio of friends!”
They have already been playing in many London venues. But perhaps their most significant recent recital was at the Bishopsgate Institute in March. This prestigious booking was the result of their winning the Guildhall’s Ivan Sutton Award. They received that award in 2013 for a ‘superb’ performance of Mendelssohn’s second piano trio (Op 66.)
The Beethoven trio they will be playing in Marlborough is a very early work. Does it play like an early work or is it clear to you all that this piece has Beethoven’s sureness and style? Jonathan replied for the Trio:
“I think there are definitely recognisable hallmarks of Beethoven in this piece. The musical language is passionate, with full, rich harmonies and textures that are very Beethovenian. However, having said that, this trio certainly shows significantly more conservative writing compared to his later work, which has far darker and poignant moments.”
Coming right up to date, the Russian composer Alfred Schnittke, is often said to have been deeply influenced by Shostakovich, will we hear that in his 1992 trio?
“Personally, I don’t hear much of Shostakovich in the Schnittke piece. There isn’t any of the irony that is so prevalent in Shostakovich’s music. I think the Schnittke trio is more typically Russian, with frequent outbursts of passion juxtaposed with moments of tranquility. It’s an amazing work, and we will do our best to do it justice!”
All three of these young musicians hope to take up careers in music with a mix of solo and chamber work. But they are very open about the future. As Jonathan Morris put it: “My musical interests encompass a broad spectrum of possibilities, so who knows where it will lead me!”
For details of the full series and how to buy tickets please go to the Marlborough News Online What’s On Calendar.
