Ménage â Trio (1994)

For two violas and ‘cello, or, standard string trio; challenging, about 5:05. Fast, turbulent, octatonic scales, textures and dynamics extremely varied, organized in a loose sonata form. Good showpiece for all players. The pitch content of the introductory theme in the 1st viola is recycled in the main theme at measure 21, and all subsequent thematic material emphasizes the same general intervallic content. The title refers to the manner in which the parts vary in their degree of independence with each change in the texture, and, in particular, to the 2nd viola's shifting allegiance between the 1st viola and the 'cello. The overall effect should be moody and agitated. Available from Frank Warren Music Service here; be sure to stipulate which version you want. Recording available directly from me.