Presents
Viktor Kosenko
Piano Trio in D Major, Op.17 "Classique"
Viktor Kosenko (1896-1938), was a Ukrainian composer, pianist and teacher. He was regarded by his contemporaries as a moster of lyricism. His early works were influtenced by the music of Scriabin, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Lysenko.He was born in St Petersburg but shortly thereafter, his family moved to Warsaw. He studied piano and composition initially at the Warsaw Conservatory and then at the St Petersburg Conservatory. After completing his studies he moved to theUkrainian town of Zhytomir then part of the Russian Empire. There, he taught piano and composition at the local music school, eventually becoming its director. During this time, he also concertized in several Ukrainian and Russian cities. Subsequently, he became a professor at what was to become the Kyiv Conservatory. He was primarily know for his piano music.
He did not write much in the way of chamber music--a few instrumental sonatas and this, his Piano Trio Classique or Classical Piano Trio which dates from 1927 It was dedicated to Alexander Turgenkhold a prominent music and theater critic. The trio was published by the Soviet State music publisher in Kyiv, known as Musytshna Ukraina. The title page was in both Russian and Ukrainian. It Russian it reads Trio Classique, in Ukrainian Classical Trio. It is not known why Kosenko chose to call it that. Perhaps because it is in four movements, a typical classical structure. Written primarily in a Post Romantic style, here and there, one can hear vague echoes of classical style but in a very updated way.
The opening movement, Allegro con brio, begins in an interesting fashion with a series of long chords begining p and ending with a bang, so to speak, sf. These chords are repeated throughout the movement, which is more genial than con brio. The second movement is marked Presto. It serves as a scherzo and sounds like a lopsided, spooky dance. It is followed by a nicely contrasting, gentler trio section. The title to the third movement, Largo funebre, pretty much sums up the mood. It is sad, heavy and at times dramatic, suitable for a funeral. The finale, Allegro energico e vivace, is upbeat with plenty of energy, interspersed by several lyrical interludes.
It is hard to understand how this fine trio has not received a modern recording. But don't let this turn you off. This is a first rate work serving concert performance, and one which can be tackled by amateurs as well.
Parts $37.95
