The piano trio is an exercise in tightrope walking, as it involves organizing speech between three instruments of a very different nature. Listening between the musicians is of primary importance, in order to find, together, the delicate balance that will allow the greatest harmony. The candidates of this first evening of finals will have to demonstrate, beyond their technical mastery, the finesse of their ear, the acuity of their collective intelligence and, ultimately, their musicality, qualities that are certainly less demonstrative than the virtuoso dazzle of the first rounds, but nevertheless absolutely necessary for any violinist.
Composed in 1840, Mendelssohn’s D minor trio was quickly considered one of the composer’s best chamber music works, and many contemporaries, including Schumann, celebrated its formal balance, inventiveness and expressive power. The third movement of the piece, a concise and luminous scherzo, will be the compulsory work of this first round. This will be followed by a second trio, this time performed in its entirety, chosen from a stylistically broad list ranging from Viennese classicism (Haydn, Beethoven) to German romanticism (Schubert, Brahms), and even extending to the 20th century, with Shostakovich’s second trio, Frank Martin’s trio on Irish folk tunes or Ravel’s trio. This varied palette will allow each participant to highlight his or her personal taste, sensitivity, and sense of instrumental color. To accompany the candidates, the Competition is pleased to welcome two great musicians, Marc Coppey and Konstantin Lifschitz.
Chamber Music with two members of the Jury who will play the piano and cello parts.
A.
B.
A Trio of your choice from the following list:
Ferme-Asile
Promenade des Pêcheurs 10
1950 Sion
Switzerland
