Trio Wiek

Rorem: Trio for flute, cello and piano
Saariaho: Cendres
Martinů: Trio for Flute, Cello & Piano, H. 300
Crumb, G: Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale)

The first piece to be decided was Vox Balaenae by George Crumb. This composition, embellished with theatrical elements that break down the boundaries between genres, has for some time now been part of Trio Wiek's repertoire and has therefore been made the cornerstone of this programme.1 It is around this piece that all the other recordings are centred. As pianist Florian Wiek reports, it would be futile to search for a universal musicological term to sum up this selection. Indeed, "the repertoire for flute trio is limited" and -- from an audience perspective, at least -- there are few classics written for this highly unusual formation. One such work is Trio H300 by Bohuslav Martinu, which Wiek considers a staple of the trio's repertoire. Since Ned Rorem's trio "takes its lead from Martinu's musicality", his work has been included in this compilation too. Finally, the connection between Kaija Saariaho and the two aforementioned composers is to be seen in her career-defining activities in Paris, where she has now been living for over 30 years.