Trio Isimsiz

This is my first experience seeing Trio Isimsiz and I hope it will not be my last!

Formed in 2009 at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, in 2015 the Trio Isimsiz won 1st Prize and the Audience Prize at the Trondheim Competition, and in 2017 2nd Prize at the Haydn International Competition in Vienna. Since then, they have travelled the world and now tour Australia presenting works from two classical giants and a welcome newcomer.

The trio comprises -Pablo Hernan Benedi (violin), Edvard Pogossian (cello) and Erdem Misirlioglu (piano), all masters of their instruments individually and playing as an ensemble.

Johannes Brahms Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 101 is considered to be of the masterpieces of the late Romantic chamber repertoire. Clara Schumann described it as “a work of genius.”

It is made up of four movements. The first movement Allegro energico is dark with short motives and stormy piano passages. The trio gives this movement immense attack as the strings seem to answer the piano statements.

The second movement Presto non assai is lighter with darting rhythms and a lyrical contrasting middle section giving some respite from the rest of the movement. The pizzicato sections over the piano are a highlight.

The third movement Andante grazioso is gentle, elegant with a touch of melancholy and focusses on the piano.

The last movement Allegro molto is urgent, pushing ahead and almost symphonic at times. It concludes with a shift in key and becomes exultant in nature. Trio Isimsiz creates a soundscape in this movement that fills the Adelaide Town Hall from top to bottom.

The second piece on the programme is Francisco Coll’s Piano Trio composed in 2020. Coll is seen as a modern contributor to the piano trio repertoire, doing so in a way that links with the past.

He is currently Artistic Partner with Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias across three seasons, which sees him conduct repertoire including Berio, Mussorgsky, Stravinsky, and de Falla, alongside his own music. A highly sought after composer, his works have been performed by the world’s leading orchestras and ensembles, including Los Angeles Philharmonic, London Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Finnish Radio Symphony, Münchner Philharmoniker and Bamberger Symphoniker, amongst others.

Described by the Trio as ‘visceral,’ ‘looking through a kaleidoscope’ and visiting ‘different worlds’, the work was premiered in Perth recently, so this is its second public performance. Coll seems to use his instruments like percussion instruments at times to profound effect.

The second movement begins with a piano solo, haunting and reminiscent of a gothic horror film score. It is compulsive listening and one can ‘hear a pin drop’ as the audience soak in the soundscape. It also features a cello solo exquisitely played by Pogossian.

The third movement is violent, ever moving, and full of surprises from each of the instruments.

The final movement uses ever upward moving passages and features the violin in its high register.

Franz Schubert’s monumental Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat major, D898 rounds off a perfect evening. Composed in 1827, shortly before Beethoven’s death. It is one of only two piano trios he composed.

The Trio is four movements. The first movement Allegro moderato has an overarching expansive theme that is ethereal in nature with singing violin and cello passages by Benedi and Pogossian interplaying with the piano, Schubert’s melodies seem to be endless here.

The second movement Andante un poco mosso is gentle and lyrical, almost hymn like. It is tender and intimate, opening with a glorious cello solo which is later picked up by the violin. The Town Hall is a fitting vehicle to house this piece with its ornate columns and ceilings. One can imagine Schubert himself sitting, lost in his music.

The third movement Scherzo. Allegro is light and rhythmic accents. It also features a dreamlike interlude before returning to the scherzo. It is full of contrasts superbly managed by Trio Isimsiz.

The final movement Rondo. Allegro vivace is a fitting conclusion to this masterpiece. It is rousing, majestic and joyful with a rondo theme that keeps reappearing. It is a celebration ending with radiant energy!

Trio Isimsiz has a well-deserved reputation for excellence, and their current offering is no exception, their applause was loud and lengthy after an evening of musical excellence.

It is an evening packed full of trio delights. There is something for every concert goer and is an aural feast in every way!

Barry Hill OAM