NZTrio filled the Atrium of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery for an elevating performance of works by under-recognised women composers from the 19th century’s Fanny Mendelssohn and Ethel Smyth, and from the 21st century Joan Tower and Eva Bedggood. This programme titled "Untamed Hope" perpetuates the innovative strategy which puts NZTrio at the forefront of Aotearoa’s orchestral scene.
Smyth’s Trio in D Minor, composed when she was 21 and living in Leipzig in the Brahmsian social milieu, is recognised for its encapsulation of her independent musical intelligence and grace. It is a well-rounded work of strong melodic lines interspersed with interesting rhythmic twists, beautifully paced and articulated by the NZTrio.
Bedggood’s debut work Ukiyo: The Floating World is inspired by our need to find calm amidst chaos. The DPAG Atrium’s live acoustic assisted greatly in its highly successful other-worldiness.
Led by the piano, it rises out of a single bass note, a dark pool of sound, to become juxtaposed by high acoustics from the violin.
It is a lulling, ethereal, embracing and beautifully textured journey into a realm of peace. Bravo.
Tower’s work Cavany leads with the violin’s single line, which is quickly joined by the cello and then piano. Each instrument is given significant solo dominance in an atonal sound world. The conversation quickly becomes angry, and through quixotic rhythmic interludes, one of explosive force. Passages of repose merely intensify the overall anguish. Again, the Atrium’s live acoustic was played to full advantage.
Fanny Mendelssohn is repeatedly compared to her famous brother. She so richly deserves to overshadow Felix. Her Piano Trio in D Minor reveals a mesmerising understanding of the piano, particularly as articulated by Somi Kim’s strong quicksilver fingering. Fanny’s gentle phrasing and melodic strength is sublime.
NZTrio continues its exemplary performance and programming.
