Trio shows energy and passion

Jonathan Williams, Associate editor

The sonorous sounds emanated by the Trio con Brio Copenhagen through the works of Dmitri Shostakovich, Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert on Wednesday filled Ice auditorium with the intensity and verve of the trio.

Opening with Shostakovich’s “Piano Trio No. 1 in C minor, Opus 8,” sisters Soo-Jin Hong, violin, and Soo-Kyung Hong, cello, along with pianist Jens Elvekjaer showed the expressive and electrifying elements of the piece.

The trio illustrated the intense string unisons of the piece and their power in sustaining notes. The trio also showed how in sync all of the musicians were with one another, especially during moments when the melody was transferred between them.

Rooted in the tradition of twentieth century music, Shostakovich’s piece showed off the trio’s range in sound and expression, moving quickly from periods of rapid notes to softer, quieter emotionally charged sections.

Following up their stellar performance of Shostakovich’s trio with Beethoven’s “Piano Trio in E-flat major, Opus 70, No.2,” the trio showed its control and power in its unisons and visual energy communicated by the musicians.

The piece also showed more of Elvekjaer’s mastery of the piano and the trio’s arpeggio and scale-like musicality embedded in Beethoven’s music.

The richness of the cellist’s part was also magnified in this piece, showing her energy and passion.

Finishing the evening with Schubert’s “Trio in B-flat Major, Opus 99, D. 898,” the trio showed its gusto with strong crescendos and unisons.