by Bruce Stark
violin, clarinet and piano
18 minutes
piano score (46 pages) and parts
An engaging piece with contrasting movements, Trio Suite (2005) moves from a robust tango-like first movement to a nostalgic duet for clarinet and piano. A bluesy, tipsy waltz follows, after which an expressive adagio for violin and piano appears, setting up the rhythmically propelled finale.
PROGRAM NOTES
Music is many things to many people. Among my compositions this work in particular ascribes to the credo that music is, above all, a song and a dance. The robust tango-like first movement and bluesy, tipsy waltz (movement three) provide the dances; a nostalgic and reflective duo for clarinet and piano (movement two) and an adagio for violin and piano (movement four) give us the songs. The last movement has a bit of both, as themes from previous movements are woven into a rhythmically propelled finale.
— Bruce Stark
Trio Suite was commissioned, premiered and inspired by Trio La Plage of Tokyo in 2005.