EROICA TRIO, Museum of Fine Arts Auditorium, U. campus, Sunday, 8 p.m., one show only.The three members of the Eroica Trio (pianist Erika Nickrenz, violinist Adela Pena and cellist Sara Sant'Ambrogio) brought their incredible talent and vitality to Salt Lake City Sunday evening. The Eroica is without doubt one of the finest chamber ensembles around today. Their virtuosity is matched only by their sublime musicality.
These three musicians are amazingly in tune with each other. Their playing is so finely honed and so smooth and effortless that they, in fact, sound as if they were one.
They opened the concert with an exquisite performance of Mozart's Trio in C major, K. 548. This was a refined and stylish interpretation that was nuanced and carefully balanced.
The first movement was played with vigor and determination. The gently expressive second movement was given a delicate treatment that enhanced its charm. And the brief finale lacked nothing for playfulness and high spirits. This was first-class Mozart.
The second work on the program was Joaquin Turina's Trio in B minor, op. 76, No. 2. Turina is a forgotten master. That's unfortunate, because he was an excellent composer who wrote some very beautiful music.
Turina was influenced by the French impressionists. He was also a strong advocate of Spanish nationalism. His music, therefore, skillfully blends Spanish-flavored melodies with the evocative harmonies of the impressionists.
The B minor trio reflects all these characteristics. Each of the three movements is distinctly Spanish, yet also unmistakably French. The music is ethereal but also at the same time dramatic and fraught with emotion.
The Eroica Trio captured the essence of this work brilliantly. Their performance was charged with an intensity that propelled the music forward to its fiery conclusion. And along the way, the three musicians also brought out the sweet lyricism of this work. It was a performance that won't soon be forgotten.
The Eroica ended their concert with Schubert's subliminally beautiful Trio in B flat major, op. 99. Once again, the Eroica was superb. Their performance here was poetry of the utmost beauty. This was especially true in the mesmerizing slow movement, with its magnificent opening for solo cello.
The Eroica generously gave their audience one more morsel before leaving: Benjamin Godard's simple and melodic "Berceuse."
In one word, these musicians tantalize their audience. Fortunately, the Eroica will be returning to Salt Lake City in early May to perform Beethoven's Triple Concerto with the Utah Symphony.