The Horszowski Trio at the Trianon Theater in San Jose

“The San Jose Chamber Music Society presented a superb concert of the Horszowski Trio on November 12 at the Trianon Theater in San Jose. The program leaned heavily on the early Romantic period with trios by Schumann and Mendelssohn. But the central work was the world premiere of Night Migrations by Lisbon-born Andreia Pinto Correia, commissioned by Chamber Music America for the Horszowski Trio.

Night Migrations was inspired by the poem of the same title by Louise Glück. As explained in the program notes by the composer, “The composition’s structure consists of four nocturnal movements, each of which features contrasting sections; mystical and dark music alternates with fleet, darting episodes that emulate the flight of birds.” The work is best described as coloristic, at times whimsical, and using a vast array of string techniques, including pizzicato, harmonics, glissando and sul ponticello.

(…)The listener is awarded ample contrast of texture and sonority. The work is engaging, with a sense of continuity and flow. A striking feature of the writing is that the piano is always held in check to allow even the most delicate string sounds to be clearly heard. This might be the first ever-piano trio that accomplishes a balance of piano and strings where each part can be appreciated.”

Roger Emanuels, Peninsula Reviews