Concert Review

The first piece performed was Allegretto in B-flat major, WoO39. The piece lasted 5-minutes. It was performed in triple meter, at an allegretto, or a moderately fast tempo. Allegretto is still not as fast as allegro. The piece had a major harmony, and contained interesting instrument interaction. The main theme of the piece was introduced and maintained by the piano, with the violin and cello providing support. The piano was simple, without any very technical components and basic dynamics, including numerous crescendos and decrescendos. The theme, after being established on the piano, was picked up on by the violin and cello, which each added a unique twist to the theme. Throughout the piece, the piano and violin were distinctly present throughout the theme and variations of it, while the cello was a little more difficult to distinctly hear.

The second piece was Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97, “Archduke.” This piece was much longer in length, lasting around 45 minutes. Unlike the first piece, “Archduke” consisted of four movements. Immediately one can tell that the piano component is much more technical and challenging than the first piece. The first movement involved lots of pizzicato, or “picking” of the strings by the violin and cello. Long, fluid like sounding arpeggio scales were played in back and forth verses between the cello and the violin, almost as if they were “dueling.” The piano would perform a solo and establish a melody, and then the violin and cello would come in to complement it and add harmony. The pianist was very composed throughout the piece, while the violin and especially the cello were very animated in their body movements. The first movement was played at a fast and bright pace, or allegro tempo. The second piece seemed to be in double meter, or 2/4 time. The second movement, according to the program, was known as a Scherzo, which is often played in Ð'Ñ* time meter. This Scherzo movement was also played at allegro tempo. It involved more pizzicato playing, and repeating segments. The third movement was a longer, slower movement, at an andante, or walking pace tempo. It opened with only the piano, and was more sublime sounding. The third movement was completely different sounding than the first two movements. The piano played with a lot of staccato. This movement built up in pieces leading up to