Paradigm Trio to perform Schubert, Mendelssohn

The trio combination of violin, viola and piano is one that composers have neglected. Few works have been written for a piano trio that includes a viola instead of the usual cello.

One possible exception is the Brahms Horn Trio, in which the composer stipulates that the horn part can be played by viola. "There were no good horn players at the time Brahms wrote the work, so it was expedient for him to allow it to be replaced with a viola," said violist Joel Rosenberg.

A few piano trios have been published with the viola substituting for cello. And thanks to Kelly Richardson of the Orchestra of Sandy City, a few more chamber works have been rearranged. "Kelly has transcribed the Schubert Trio in B flat (op. 99) and the Mendelssohn Trio No. 1 in D minor for viola," Rosenberg said.

It will be in that version that the Paradigm Trio will play these two cornerstones of the repertoire next week at the next Paradigm Series concert. "Both of these works were written when the composers were young men. They have a lot in common. Both are the composers' first trios; both wrote only two; and both of them are major works in the literature."

According to Rosenberg, the Mendelssohn trio occupies a place of distinction in the piano-trio literature along with Beethoven's "Archduke" Trio and the Brahms B major and C major trios. "It can be said that Mendelssohn was a classical composer living in the romantic period. His music is so well-balanced and so incredibly virtuosic, but not in the sense of Brahms or Beethoven, though."

The Schubert trio is no less significant. "Schumann said of Schubert's C major Symphony, 'Within lies the seeds of youth,' " Rosenberg said. "The same, I think, can be said for his trio. He had such a gift for writing wonderful melodies, and the trio is an incredibly beautiful work."

Besides Rosenberg, the Paradigm Trio consists of violinist Kelly Parkinson and pianist Jed Moss. "Jed and I have been friends for years, and you couldn't ask for a better pianist or violinist. We're all so in tune with each other."

The Paradigm Trio has been accepted by the Utah Arts Council to be part of the Utah Performing Arts Tour for 2003-04, Rosenberg said. "We're very excited to be part of the tour. And this is the second time for us. We participated two years ago."

While the Paradigm Series' usual home at Wasatch Presbyterian Church is being restored, its concerts have been taking place downtown at First United Methodist Church. "I've enjoyed playing at First United Methodist. It's a nice venue that hasn't really been discovered. I think it's also one of the few Salt Lake churches that hasn't been renovated in recent years." Rosenberg said he is thankful for the church's pastor, Brian Hare-Diggs, for allowing the Paradigm Series to use the church for its rehearsals and concerts.

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