Celebration and Desolation

Trio Melisma's Jubilee Concert in London,
reviewed by ANDREW CAMPLING,
Musical Director of the London Docklands Singers

Celebration and desolation, classical poise and modernist frenzy, yearning nostalgia and visions of the future -- Trio Melisma's Jubilee Concert in the beautiful setting of St Dunstan's, Stepney on 29 May 2002 offered the audience a rare feast of musical and aesthetic contrasts. Founded in 2001 Trio Melisma's international line-up consists of violinist Christopher White (UK), cellist Jonas Seeberg and the Canadian pianist Melanie Reinhard.

Given in support of RefAid, a charitable organisation which has helped millions of refugees to reintegrate voluntarily into their countries of origin, the concert began with Haydn's delightful Trio in F sharp minor Hob XV:26. Beautiful tone, assured phrasing, wonderful contrasts of light and shade, the players revelled in Haydn's ever-inventive musicality. From the first bars of Brahms' Trio No 2 in C major Op 87 another sound-world: dark, chromatic, passionate, at times achingly nostalgic. Here the Steinway Grand was rightfully given full rein by Melanie Reinhard. The misterioso tremolo opening of the third movement was particularly effective, likewise the unison string cantilenas and some wonderful feather-light arabesques on piano.

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