In this program with music for violin, viola and piano by Rebecca Clarke, her very own style becomes audible. Her unmistakable voice combines pure melodic lines with impressionistic influences from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. All three instruments are only united in the trio Dumka. All other works are duos for violin or viola and piano.
Born in Great Britain 140 years ago, Rebecca Clarke also lived in the United States. During her first American tour in 1919, she composed her Sonata for Viola and Piano, one of her best works. With its pentatonic opening theme, dense harmonies, emotional intensity, and dense, rhythmically complex texture, this sonata is an example of Clarke’s personal style. Morpheus was her first major work after more than a decade of songs and miniatures. Dumka, a work for violin, viola, and piano, reflects the Eastern European folk music styles of Bartók and Martinů.
The three performers have studied the music intensively. This enables them to offer eloquent and well-formed interpretations of the Dumka Trio and the other eight pieces. Pianist Margherita Santi has already demonstrated her intelligence and musical insight in her interpretations, which are enhanced by dynamic nuances, a joy of playing, and coloration. The two string players are equally impressive in their well-crafted arrangements. In this way, they have put together an appealing portrait of Rebecca Clarke’s music.
Review by Uwe Krusch
Margherita Santi 