In 2013, Chamber Soloists of Detroit introduced the Ehnes Quartet to the Detroit area and a sold-out audience was thrilled with their performance. On April 4, Ehnes Quartet member Amy Schwartz Moretti returned with the outstanding cellist Edward Arron to join CSD artistic Director Pauline Martin for another stunning performance, this time in a concert for piano trio. Cecilia Benner was the concert sponsor.
A Canadian reviewer said, “It was often difficult to believe that there were only three instruments playing! The orchestral panorama and timbres were beautiful…It’s rare to hear such rhythmic perfection.” The audience responded with several standing ovations.
The program featured beautiful works for trio by Beethoven and Brahms along with a contemporary composition, Café Music, by Detroit native Paul Schoenfeld, who teaches composition at the University of Michigan. Its eclectic energy with jazzy and humorous notes delighted the audience.
Audience members submitted written questions and comments following the program:
- The superb chamber artists were vital, energetic and expressive across the board—bringing each of the compositions to life so each was “understood” by the audience. The program, with its musical contrasts, was very beautiful.
- Every time I attend Chamber Soloists of Detroit’s concerts, I rediscover my love for classical music.
- The program was so well-crafted beginning with the Beethoven program notes which mentioned Beethoven’s ability to out-Mozart Mozart. I could hear so much of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (second movement) in the first movement of the Beethoven. The last movement of Café Music was a wonderful introduction to the Brahms with the sparkling gems of harmony.
- The cello part in the adagio of the Brahms Trio was magnificent.
Many audience members stayed for “Just Between Us” – CSD’s signature Talk Back – for an opportunity to ask the musicians questions over light refreshments. Arron, Martin and Moretti explained their ability to play so well together even though this was their first collaboration as a trio, and answered questions about their personal musical preferences, which include Frank Sinatra songs and other popular music.