In four movements:
I. Cradle Songs
II. Pixies
III. Reverie
IV. Running
Piano Trio No. 2 is playful and pastoral. The first movement, “Cradle Songs,” begins well at sea, tonally speaking, depicting what the infant’s ears might hear as the parent sings something vaguely resembling “Amazing Grace.” Little by little the movement comes into focus, first through an unfocused blues ramble, onward until a bona fide (original) cradle song is played. “Pixies” is brisk tour de force, with an almost Irish melodic sensibility. “Reverie” is preoccupied with calming beauty and dreams. (It was premiered at my father’s memorial concert at East Carolina University on April 25, 2010.) “Running” is a Mendelssohn-esque Presto, driving toward a recapitulation of the memorable cradle song of the first movement. It is lovingly dedicated to my children.
Violin, Cello and Piano
Piano Trio No. 2
Violin, Cello and Piano