With the vigor of youth and the artistic maturity of far more seasoned musicians, the Claremont Trio delivered aesthetically rich interpretations of three diverse and complementary works at Gates Concert Hall on Wednesday.
Under the auspices of the Friends of Chamber Music Denver, the ensemble opened with Ellen Taaffe’s “Zwilich” Piano Trio. Sparse – yet spirited and dramatic – the work is well-suited to the fresh-faced women who delivered its melodic snippets and rapid-fire phrases with relish and precision.
But it was the slow movement that first revealed the players’ interpretive depth, with twin sisters Emily and Julia Bruskin — on violin and cello, respectively — evoking a sense of loneliness, yearning and mystery.
Joined by violist Beth Guterman, the skilled foursome then performed Gabriel Fauré’s Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 15 and – after intermission – Johannes Brahms’ Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60).
On the heels of Taaffe’s aggressive, angular lines, Fauré’s far gentler and exceedingly romantic work was a welcome respite. Here, the ensembles delivered a warm, resonant tone throughout the thickly-textured work. Underscoring the delicate dialogues and sweet harmonies of the strings, pianist Donna Kwong maintained an exciting momentum, her fleet fingers voicing even slight and muted phrases in passing.
Indeed, Kwong is a masterful pianist who plays with abandon yet always seems to remain entirely in control and in balance with the ensemble as a whole. A well-matched addition to the trio, Guterman’s distinct tone and sonorous solo passages further illuminated the expressive, achingly beautiful rendering of the work’s sumptuous lyricism.
Likewise, the promising virtuosos pulled out all the stops in a passionate performance of Brahms’ lush, profoundly emotional quintet.
The Friends’ Chamber Series continues on Jan. 26 with violinist Jennifer Koh) and pianist Shai Wosner.
