TRIO MONUMENTALE ed ENERGICO

for Violin, Cello and Piano 1987

David Hellewell

This work, composed in 1987, after the Rhapsody for Piano & Orchestra, is of 13 minutes duration, and draws on influences ranging from Messiaen, Smetana, Jazz and Rock, to Classical and Baroque (but with no direct quotes).There are many contrasting, but interconnected, sections, and the piece is generally of a lyrical, yet passionate, nature.

The title refers to two of the main features of the work: a monumental opening of crashing, sustained chords, with piano declamations; and a driving, energetic piano rhythm over which there is a passionate, sustained 4-part melody from the strings. Other sections include: Swinging Funk; Baroque Interlude; a romantic Cantabile section, and a gentle bell-like section marked Ethereal. The trio was given its first performance by the Trio of London, together with the Space-Time Phantasia, in Shaftesbury, Dorset in 1989.