CLARINET - VIOLIN - PIANO
About the Zodiac Trio
Over the past decade, the Zodiac Trio has established itself as the leading international trio of its kind, heralded by Radio France as “A breathtaking ensemble of virtuosity and sensitivity.” Taking advantage of its unusual instrumentation of clarinet, violin and piano, the Zodiac Trio has been on the forefront of innovative programming, presenting 20th century masterpieces alongside new works and acclaimed original arrangements, offering the listener an immersive, musical journey.
NEW REVIEW FROM THE CLARINET MAGAZINE!
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Peter Schickele’s works are rarely simple, and the rumbling composite rhythms remain full of energy and rollicking fun despite increasing complexity and whiplash level dynamics. Contrasts are rampant throughout this piece and pianist, Riko Higuma has a sensitive touch that introduces nuances previously unimagined. Violinist, Vanessa Mollard and clarinetist, Kliment Krylovsky thread their voices fluidly while shapeshifting between textures and increasing the vocabulary of the violin and the clarinet in their resulting overlap. A standout moment includes the chalumeau register of Krylovsky’s clarinet playing as it creates a halo for the floating pitches in the violin and ends in the revelation of the piano’s melody. In the third movement, the unison rhythms and excitement keep the listener on a wild ride up until the last cadence thanks to the relentless energy and shaping of the artists.
It is delightful to see these musicians explore further avenues in their arrangements and pursue their interests regardless of original instrumentation. An American in Paris manages to capture the through-composed hilarity and bewilderment of this character piece with only three instruments, and some percussion of course. Krylovsky shines with his ebullient and flexible playing that is simultaneously supported or matched with his trio partners.
Danzón No. 2 is a similar revelation as it seems impossible to do the piece this much justice without betraying the original. The ingredient that makes this version delectable is the attention paid to the transitions and the ability of soloist and accompaniment to convey new urgency and new shades of previously introduced colors. The piano interlude especially conveys a new level of tragedy as the dance continues. In a similar vein, Higuma and Mollard rip into their parts to introduce some delicate, incisive, and effective altissimo in the clarinet part before the piece hurtles to its thrilling end. Future arrangements by Higuma are highly anticipated.
Moving to a sequence of jazz pieces, Swinging with Benny. The first quote, “The World is Waiting for the Sunrise,” is pure fun and bravado as Higuma tickles the keys and hits all the right inflections with great texture added by Kliment’s virtuosic noodling. The project of arrangements entitled Swinging with Benny continues with Cole Porter’s “Night and Day,” which feels intense and edgy like the original, yet, slightly more placed. “Dinah” offers quotations, fun, and spontaneity in spades. It is thrilling and surprising to see it proved again and again by Higuma and Jean-Marc Brisson’s careful work, like in Stravinsky’s incisive arrangement of A Soldier’s Tale, that sometimes a clarinet, piano, and violin are truly all you need! “In a Sentimental Mood” shows great colors and flexibility, “I Got Rhythm” sprinkles fun and good feelings all over the place and “China Boy” revels in an ensemble that hits the pocket just right. Krylovsky’s tone smolders with intensity and intent all the way through the climax in “Goodbye,” introducing shadows and regrets before throwing all the cards down on the table with a high-intensity closer featuring riotous technique and fun from all of the players in “I’m a Ding Dong Daddy.” This is a great listen!
NEW VIDEO!
NEW ALBUM!
“The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise”
With this new album, released in February, the Zodiac Trio celebrates American music with works by American icons George Gerswhin, Peter Shickele, renowned Mexican composer Arturo Marquez and a very special hommage to the King of Swing, Benny Goodman with an array of jazz standards arranged masterfully for the Zodiac Trio.
We are deeply grateful for our supporters that made this album possible!
Adam Edwards Alison McTavish American Modern Recordings (AMR)
Anne Nassauer Basil Christopher Whiting
Cora Delgado Daniel Delphine Mollard
Denys Mollard Doug Dinger Eric
Francine Kay Frederick Scoffier Isis Kanevsky
Jean-Marie Aubron John Aebly Joseph Morag
JustViolin.org Katie Burns Kate Chaston
Klagaan Kristina Bachrach Maleia
Manu Cornet Mark Fortman Mery
Monet Morin Nicholas Coffey
Niki Coppola Noam Faingold Orliana Morag
Phillip Meck Seiko Higuma Sergio Pallottelli
Susan Breton Tobias Tumarkin Tomihiro Higuma
Victor Frost Walter Weikang
William Blewett Yuko Suzuki
Programs
Sergei Prokofiev - "Peter and the Wolf"
An original arrangement of Prokofev’s classic music tale, set to stunning imagery by Jorg Muller and performer with a narrator. The iconic piece comes to life in a new way with beautiful projections that have been set to the pace of the performance. Requires a narrator (English and French available). A fantastic way to bring this classic musical tale to your hall or school without hiring an orchestra!
"Once Upon a Time in Paris..."
Ida Gotkovsky / Gilbert Amy / Xavier Bouchaud
The Zodiac Trio reflect on their years spent at the Paris Conservatory under the auspices of the Ysaÿe Quartet with a program that presents a fascinating journey through French musical literature, with a special accent on French contemporary composers Ida Gotkovsky, Gilbert Amy and Xavier Bouchaud.
Benny Goodman Hommage
The Zodiac Trio teams up with French jazz arranger Jean Marc Brisson for a project paying hommage to the King of Swing. “Benny Rides Again” brings to life an array of legendary tunes from the Swing Era arranged masterfully by Brisson. These dazzling arrangements showcase the original tune through the lens of a classical composer and performer. Complex rhythms and sparking virtuosity bring these masterpieces to life in a new way.
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