AmaCor Trio - Fantasy Trio for clarinet, cello and piano, op. 26 by Robert Muczynski

Program:
Fantasy Trio for clarinet, cello and piano, op. 26 (1969) - Robert Muczynski (1929-2010)
Allegro energico
Andante con espressione
Allegro deciso
Introduction and Finale: Andante molto e sostenuto + Allegro
Program note:
Muczynski was a Polish-American composer and pianist, who obtained a piano major at the
DePaul University with Walter Knupfer, enrolling afterwards in composition with Alexander
Tcherepnin. Critics commonly designate Muczynski as a traditionalist, a term used by Gilbert
Chase in “America’s music” to refer to a group of American composers in the 1930’s, claiming
they didn't “break with the past”. Despite Muczynski’s earned credentials, and receiving tenure at
the University of Arizona, his music remained generally ignored until the 1980’s. His preference to
write mainly in a traditional tonal framework might be the reason for this neglect, regardless of its
distinctive qualities.
Muczynski's Time Pieces for clarinet and piano are more well known then the Trio, however it
deserves the same attention, containing the superbly writing for clarinet in the three registers
depicting different moods. The pairing of the middle register of the clarinet with the cello produces
a passionate and sorrowful blend, contrasting the edgy high clarinet motives coupled with
percussive piano rhythms.
Muczynski wrote the Fantasy Trio at the request of clarinetist Samuel Fain and cellist Gordon
Epperson, two of his University of Arizona colleagues, and dedicated it to Award-winning film
maker Harry Atwood, for whom he wrote nine film scores. Muczynski’s goal was to create
meaningful interplay and dialogue between the cello and clarinet, giving each instrument a
rewarding role. The work alternates between rather rhythmic statements and sustained lyrical
moments, climaxing in the last movement full of exuberance and joy. The use of meter changes,
syncopation, and accented off beats contribute to a jazzy, rhythmic character.
Biography:
The trio “AmaCor” consists of the international members: pianist Korak Lertpibulchai (Thailand), cellist Marcin Szawelski (Poland) and clarinetist Hannelore Vermeir (Belgium). They met through their work at the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and the College of Music, Mahidol University in Thailand. The name “AmaCor” is an agglutination of the first letters of their first names, i.e. Ha (A), Ma and Kor (Cor). The term can be divided in the Latin words “Ama” and “Cor”, “ama” being the imperative form of “amare” (to love) and “cor” meaning heart, mind or soul. Consequently “AmaCor” can be freely translated as “love from the heart and soul” which is essential for opening up to the art of music as a player, as well as a listener.

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Thank you for this video. You don't often hear this music so thank you very much - God bless - Bill - UK