Trio Navarro

ACOUSTIC CLARITY AT LAST

After years of chamber music frustration in Sonoma State University's Ives and Weill halls, the Trio Navarro basked in acoustical clarity Aug. 24 at their debut concert in the university's new Schroeder Hall.

The acoustics in Weill before small audiences, and with lush romantic chamber music, made blurred legato piano lines the norm. In Sunday's performance of Taneyev's D Major Trio, Op. 22, all was heard clearly. Pianist Marilyn Thompson joined cellist Jill Brindel and violinist Victor Romasevich in a rewarding performance of this rarely played Russian work from 1908.

The Taneyev is not easily grasped, as it lacks the thematic unity of more popular piano trios. However, the Navarro gave it a passionate reading with emphasis on the long vocal lines and warm colors. Mr. Romasevich gave his usual intense sound to the elegant theme and variations, and the constantly surging phrases led to an exciting short and fast opening movement cadenza.

Rich music for the cello characterized the Andante. Ms. Brindel played with refinement in rubato and supplied tasteful small decrescendos. Another violin cadenza led directly to the finale where there were hints of Arensky's second piano trio from 1905.

Even in a lyrical section, Taneyev can't keep his romanticism under wraps for long, and the Navarro built potent climaxes in the concluding Allegro. Mr. Romasevich's penetrating top-end tone easily cut through the dense counterpoint and led the Trio through manifold deceptive cadences.

I find the D Major Trio difficult to get my arms around, but the fervor of Navarro's playing made a case for more familiarity.