New World Trio ‘Old and New Genius’ will be performed at St. John’s Episcopal Church in West Hartford.

Submitted

New World Trio will perform “Old and New Genius,” works by Beethoven, Daron Hagen, and Ravel, on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 679 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT.

These works have all established their authors as masters of composition. Beethoven’s Trio op.1 #3, was both dynamic and controversial. In this piece, he makes it clear that he is progressing to a new way of composing, and his confident exhilaration is unmistakable.

Written in memory of his brother, Daron Hagen’s adaptation of “Wayfaring Stranger” is in the grand tradition of the folk-to-classical genre. This piece brilliantly combines the themes of redemption and deliverance contained in this traditional spiritual, along with classical development and depth, to form a richly haunting and affecting work.

In composing his sole piano trio, Maurice Ravel adopted an orchestral approach to create a large, powerful work that stands at the apex of the piano-trio repertoire.  Making extensive use of the extreme ranges of each instrument, he developed an unusually rich texture of sound for a chamber work, one which demands a high level of technical proficiency from all three musicians. Part of the work’s brilliance lies in its organization: for all its innovations and multiple sources, this extraordinary piece resides within a conventional classical framework.

Trio members are Anhared Stowe, violin; Peter Zay, cello; and David Ballena, piano. Reception a reception will follow, and for more information visit the website www.newworldtrio.org, or call 860-586-8579. Suggested donation $25

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