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- OVATIONS FOR THE EROICA TRIO
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- By Giorgio Migliavacca
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- Standing ovations at the end of each of the two segments of the concert
greeted the Eroica Trio last Friday at The HLSCC Atrium. Erika Nickrenz,
piano, Adela Peña, violin, and Sara Sant,Ambrogio, cello, offered
a perfectly calibrated programe. Each item was a jewel, carefully handpicked
and superbly executed.
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- Amiable Joaquin Turina's Trio No. 2 in B minor, Op. 76 provided a brilliant
start with the violin and cello going all the way with a seamlessly fluid
technique. The warm Hiberian themes were delivered with timbral sparkle
and luminous clarity. The second selection consisted of three Preludes
for Piano written by George Gershwin between 1923 and 1926 and arranged
for Piano Trio by Brazilian composer Raimundo Penaforte - a "signature
offering of the Eroica Trio. These items do not need much of an introduction
except for the slow middle prelude - a strikingly bluesy and introspective
composition. The Preludes are exceedingly popular and have been re-arranged
several times to suit special occasions or special performers. Heifetz
arranged them for violin
- and piano; and the second prelude has been re-written as a trombone
and piano duet. Penaforte's arrangements are very interesting and pleasing.
We would have preferred a more sharp delivery but this is probably a plus
in that all too often Gershwin's music is "pushed beyond the limits.
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- Antonín Dvorak's Trio in E minor, Op. 90 ("Dumky) concluded
the evening. Here the Eroica Trio gave a solid and most reliable performance
producing beautiful sounds from all three instruments. Particularly prominent
in this selection were the violin and even more so the cello. Adela Peña's
violin had the typical Czech warmth, and Sara Sant,Ambrogio,s cello was
moving, expansive, radiant and endowed with a superb portamento. On the
other hand, Erika Nickrenz,s piano could have done with a bit more presence.
The public was rewarded with a most charming encore - Benjamin Godard's
Tenor Berceuse from "Jocelyn (1888). This "bon-bon was the proverbial
cherry on the cake and the public left The Atrium with the distinct feeling
that this was a night to remember for a long time.
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