Program Note for String Trio (1981)
for violin, viola and cello
A large one-movement work, String Trio is divided
into two major, contrasting sections. The first, Giocoso,
is rhythmically active, with sharp, angular lines and dense chordal passages.
The second, Lamentoso, is darkly lyrical and more contrapuntal
in texture. The Giocoso owes its agitated character to the discontinuities
that arise from numerous foreshadowings of the Lamentoso, including one
extended interruption marked "Intermezzo", characterized by a
poignant duet in thirds for the violin and viola. These thirds provide
not only expressive focus, but also reveal clearly the work's underlying
pitch structure -- an interlocking sequence of alternating major and minor
thirds.
The first phrase pair of the piece already reflects the discontinuities
to come, and the conflict is worked out until the Lamentoso ultimately
prevails.