Presents
Lennox Berkeley
String Trio for Violin, Viola & Cello, Op.19
Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989) was born in the English city of Oxford. After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in French, he traveled to Paris and studied with Nadia Boulanger. More important than his studies with her was his getting to know Stravinsky, Francis Poulenc, Darius Milhaud and Maurice Ravel. He worked as a composer and teacher eventually becoming a Professor of Composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Much of his early work shows their influence upon his thinking and the style of his music could broadly be described as neo-classical and tonal. He composed in nearly every genre including chamber music where in addition to his string trio, he composed three string quartets and several instrumental sonatas.
His String Trio was completed in 1943 and was dedicated to three prominent string players then active in London: the Canadian violinist Frederick Grinke, the Scottish violist Watson Forbes, and the London cellist and orchestra conductor Harvey Phillips. It is in three movements. In this work, one does not hear much in the way of French influence, except perhaps for the neo-classicism of Stravinsky. The opening Moderato begins with a repeated ostinato-like rhythm in the two lower voices before the violin introduces a somewhat melancholy melody. The both rhythm and the melody are juxtaposed throughout the movement. The lyrical second movement, Adagio, is sad and haunting. The interesting finale, Allegro, is energetic, somewhat nervous and at times playful with very effective use of chromatic effects.
This is an interesting and engaging modern work. Of course, it belongs in the concert hall, but experienced and diligent amateurs will also revel in its beauty and originality.
Parts: $19.95
