Trio Classics with Star Talent!
HAYDN, BEETHOVEN AND MENDELSSOHN AT THEIR BEST
Poised Young Musicians Join Professionals for Superb Concert
By Paul Pattison
Special to KC Arts Beat
Village Presbyterian Church has garnered quite the reputation as a fine setting for concerts, especially chamber music. The acoustics are not so resonant that the notes are lost in reverberation, and the seating is ideally situated. No matter where you sit, you will be enveloped in sound.
That was certainly the case Friday night, September 30th, for a concert titled “Trio Classics.” Destiny Ann Mermagen, violin, along with Michael Mermagen, cello and Tatiana Tessman, piano wowed the audience of around 80 with a brilliant display of musicianship and interpretation.
The evening started with a rollicking Haydn work, Trio in C. Hob. XV:27. Composed in 1797, this late Haydn trio was a revelation. It was very playful in nature and the musicians certainly seemed to have fun. Melodies danced back and forth between the instruments. Here Haydn dispensed with convention and gave the cello equal standing with the piano and violin. Mr. Mermagen took full advantage, providing a lovely, sonorous tone. The slightly moodier development section was played with just a hint of drama but still playfully.
The second movement began with a beautiful melody lovingly played by Tessman. Violin and cello soon joined in. A tasteful use of rubato and pauses enhanced this delicate theme. A striking shift to the minor key changed the mood. This was played with considerable fervor and drama before returning to the calm of the opening theme. It was a delight to hear this played with such passion and attention to every detail.
The third movement was a playful romp in rondo form. Phrases bounced back and forth between the players at a speed almost impossible to follow. A humorous Haydn was everywhere evident and I caught the performers exchanging sly smiles.That caused me to smile in return.
If the Haydn was a frolic, then the next work by Beethoven was sunshine and fresh air. The Piano Trio in B-flat major, “Archduke,” was Beethoven’s last public performance at its premiere. His hearing had declined significantly and he even contemplated suicide, but he responded with one of his most light-hearted and cheerful works.
A simple theme began the first movement. It may have been simple, but the trio played it with expressive warmth. Some passages were played so delicately that I could hardly breathe, fearing to disturb the mood they so profoundly created. Cello and violin pizzicatos below a solo piano only enhanced this feeling. An extended cello solo was played with considerable emotion.
This was followed by a scherzo performed so freely and with so much bounce that I almost laughed out loud. Again, the musicians exchanged smiles as this too-short movement came to an end.
The third movement, Andante Cantabile, featured a serene melody on piano played with touching tenderness by Tessman, with violin and cello adding luscious accompaniment. A wonderful use of crescendo and decrescendo created an atmosphere at once delicate and yet tense.
In a frenzy and without pause, the fourth movement shot forth like a meteor. The levity created after the placid third movement made this a palpable surprise. The theme and snippets of the theme were bantered back and forth from instrument to instrument in a playful exchange. Playing with near abandon, this all came to a rousing and exciting conclusion.
After a brief intermission, Ms. Mermagen introduced three young musicians. She is a staunch advocate for youth and her concerts often feature one or more young players. I believe she draws inspiration from their dedication and fearlessness. I know I do.
The Village Players Youth Trio is composed of Evelyn Holmes, violin, Will Savage, cello and Wendy Wen, piano. They range in age from eleven to fourteen. Each has garnered awards and performed with orchestras. Miss Wen has even had a composition performed by the New York Philharmonic.
The three young people strode onto the stage with confidence. This confidence was confirmed by their poise and convincing reading of the Finale from Piano Trio No. 1 in D Major, Op. 330 by Carl Bohm. They certainly defied their age by employing superb intonation. They were always together in rapid passages and were intimately aware of each other’s roles, whether in a solo passage or as accompaniment. Hearing them play so assuredly and with considerable musicality was an inspiration.
The evening came to an end with Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49. What a way to end the night. Mendelssohn can be stormy, and this certainly was. Such a full sound coming from three musicians was almost baffling.
The first movement featured a frantic piano part. Tessman’s fingers seemed to be everywhere at once. But it was the second movement that touched me most. A lovely lullaby-like opening was exquisitely introduced on the piano. This was followed by a lush duet with violin and cello, played with amorous intensity. There was a time when I was very young, that I didn’t have the patience for slow movements. Hearing this powerful, fully romantic performance makes me happy I got over that.
I don’t believe anyone wrote scherzos as jolly, furious and fun as Mendelssohn. I got the feeling the musicians felt the same. They certainly played this with unbridled joy. If it had been any longer, I wouldn’t have been able to hold myself in my seat.
The finale brought us back to the storm Mendelssohn is so fine at depicting. This surged forward at an ever more agitated pace. It is always exciting to hear music played with precision and excitement. This was no exception. At its conclusion, the audience exploded with applause and cheers.
Village Presbyterian Church offers many concerts throughout the year. Many of them are free, such as the one I just attended. It’s difficult to beat that kind of bargain. I had just heard the best composers and some of their best works, played by dedicated and accomplished musicians. The entire concert was just under two hours and I could have heard more.. As I drove home, the final strains of the Mendelssohn played in my head. What a great way to spend an evening.
(Photo credit: Lori Locke)
