Chamber Music Tulsa: AYA Piano Trio
Tulsa Performing Arts Center
September 28, 2025
My favorite sound is the small string ensemble: One or two violins, a cello, maybe a viola, with the occasional clarinet or piano joining in for a change of scenery. I love the spare texture, the peace of knowing each musician will hold their note exactly the right length of time, the wordless communication between performers. I love how the cello grounds us harmonically and propels us rhythmically at the same time. I love how a violinist will break my heart with the perfect vibrato, how the viola will chug away patiently in the background until they gift us with an unexpected, impeccable solo. When there is a piano involved, I, as a fellow pianist, feel the burden of knowing they are responsible for setting the pace and must abandon their desire to be the star of the show (pianists are an egotistical bunch), lending the music a thicker timbre and even more interpretive possibilities.
I’ve attended chamber music concerts for decades, in places I’ve lived or visited. Starting in Abilene, then in Ann Arbor, then in San Jose, Vienna, and Paris, I’ve luxuriated in my favorite sound.