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On 18 August the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio (who will perform in Miami in February 2006) took the stage of Ozawa Hall for an evening of great chamber music for the connoisseur. After 28 years together these three stellar musicians remain the state of the art. Joseph Kalichstein's light, bright keyboard musicality, Jamie Laredo's crystalline violin tone, and Sharon Robinson's dark, rich cello sound (with the aura of molten lava) combine for a unique musical experience. Their effervescent performance of Mozart's Piano Trio in B flat, K502 was a joyous opener. Mozart's lyrical, endless melodies rippled joyfully through the warm acoustical ambience of the Gould Auditorium.

For Daniel (2004) by Joan Tower (born 1938) is a dramatic, moving, angry score that the composer dedicated to her late nephew Daniel MacArthur. The densely textured instrumental writing is often riveting. This splendid work was performed with bracing intensity by the trio. Ms Tower was present to acknowledge a standing ovation by the enthusiastic audience.

Brahms's Piano Trio No 2 in C, Op 87 was given dynamic treatment by Kalichstein, Laredo, and Robinson. Their strongly accentuated, vibrant, darkly songful performance was the sine qua non of great music making. A trio arrangement of George Gershwin's 'Summertime' from Porgy and Bess provided a velvet bon-bon of an encore.

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