Trio Revolution: Haydn, Kapustin, Liebermann

Lowell Liebermann: Trio No. 2 for Flute, Cello, and Piano, Op. 87
Commissioned by the University of Kansas, Liebermann’s Trio No. 2 premiered in 2004 and quickly became a favorite in the contemporary chamber music repertoire. This single-movement work explores a wide emotional spectrum, with intricate dialogues between the flute, cello, and piano. Liebermann’s style blends lyrical beauty with rhythmic complexity, demanding technical brilliance from the performers while captivating audiences with its rich textures and dynamic contrasts.

Joseph Haydn: Trio in G Major, Hob. XV:15

Composed in the late 1780s, Haydn’s Trio in G Major, Hob. XV:15, is a brilliant showcase of his inventiveness and elegance in the piano trio genre. Written for flute, cello, and piano, the piece belongs to a set of trios that highlight Haydn’s signature blend of sophistication and humor. The opening Allegro is light and graceful, with engaging interplay between the instruments. The Andante unfolds with warmth and lyricism, allowing the flute to sing over a delicate accompaniment. The final Vivace bursts with energy and charm, closing the trio with Haydn’s characteristic wit and brilliance.

Nikolai Kapustin: Trio for Flute, Cello, and Piano, Op. 86
Written in 1998, Kapustin’s Trio exemplifies his distinctive fusion of classical structure and jazz language. The opening Allegro molto is driven by syncopated rhythms and bold harmonies, followed by a lyrical Andante that provides a moment of introspective calm. The concluding Allegro giocoso is playful and effervescent, full of jazz-inspired improvisatory gestures, though meticulously notated. Kapustin’s trio challenges performers with its technical demands while offering audiences a vibrant and unique listening experience.