Korimako – Piano Trio

After thirty years with the New Zealand String Quartet, violinist Helene Pohl and cellist Rolf Gjelsten are excited to be making music with world-renowned German/New Zealand pianist Michael Endres.  Their new piano trio takes its name from the korimako (bellbird) and the group draws inspiration from the beauty and purity of that bird’s unique song.

Their widely-contrasted programme opens with one of Haydn’s last and finest piano trios.  It was written in London in 1797 where Haydn found fresh inspiration from a young virtuoso pianist and from the more powerful Broadwood pianos available in England. American composer Aaron Copland’s dark and dramatic 1919 study on a Jewish folk-tune is followed by Schubert’s much-loved single movement “Notturno”.

After the interval the programme is devoted to the romantic genius of Johannes Brahms.  His second piano trio is a substantial masterwork, filled with glorious melody, dancing rhythms, contemplative serenity and driving energy.   Described by Clara Schumann as “a splendid work” and “a great musical treat” it is a generously proportioned work of four movements.