Richard Brooks

violin, cello, piano

Editor's Note:

Trio for violin, violoncello and piano (1982) was composed as a result of a Composer Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. While cast in one continuous movement there are broad sections of differing character, reminiscent of traditional multi-movement forms.

At the beginning all three instruments strike a twelve-note chord which forms the raw material for the entire work. It recurs at crucial moments, frequently launching new sections. Each instrument exploits and develops specific intervallic structures derived from the opening chord. The materials are exploited both tonally and atonally in a subjective, intuitive manner. Throughout, the composer has striven to attain a high degree of lyricism and emotional intensity.

- David Mecionis