ScottOpus PRODUCTIONS
ScottOpus PRODUCTIONS
TOPIC:- Trio by Kerry R. Scott
In Music the term "Trio" is used in a number of differnet ways. The most basic of these ways is simply to indicate that the composition is written for three instruments.Throughout musical history a number of particular groups of intstruments have been written for so often that they have been given specific names -- for example the "String Trio" (Violin,Viola and Cello) and the Piano Trio (Piano, Violin and Cello). Today though so many compositions have been written for three "diverse" intruments that the specific title of "Piano Trio" etc. has more to do with a composer primarily associated with that particular grouping (The piano trio's of Haydn for example) than it has to indicate a particular intrument grouping.
The second type of use of the title "trio" appears primarily within the Baroque Period (approximately 1600 -- 1750) under the name "Trio Sonata". Trio Sonatas (particularly those of J. S. Bach) were written for three "parts" (not to be confused with "instruments") of similar range and a Bass part. In Baroque or contrapuntal "speak" the "parts" are referred to as "voices" -- not human voices but instrumental parts. Just to confuse the issue a little more most of these "Trio Sonatas" were in fact performed by four instruments -- the two upper parts by solo instruments (for example Violins) the third or bass part by a bass instrument (usually the Cello) and supported by the Harpsichord ("continuo") filling in the harmonies.
The third use of the title "trio" takes us to the Classical Period of Music (approximately 1750 -- 1830). In this context "trio" is linked with the ancient dance form the "Minuet" and appears as "Minuet and Trio". The "Minuet and Trio" was considered as a complete composition. The whole "composition" (movement) Minuet and Trio, formed part of the classical sonata and appeared (usually) as a second movement. Sometimes the Minuet was replaced with a Scherzo section but as the Classical period moved into the Nineteenth Century the traditional lines of demarcation of form were blurred. In time, although the name and concept of the "trio" remained, the "trio" took on a form of its own and lost the tradition of two solo parts of similar range and a bass part.
The final use of the title "Trio" is as it is found within the "March". The March is usually written for and played by Military or Brass Bands. The concept of the "March" is self explanatory but interspersed within most marches are "trios". There may be a number of different trios within each march and are generally more melodic and quieter than the march itself. The format of March -- Trio 1 --- March -- Trio 2 etc. comes directly from the Minuet and Trio form seen above, although, obviously unlike the Minuet which is in triple time the march is in duple time with a marked rhythm and beat.
For further information concerning music compositions of Kerry R. Scott and in particular Trio for Bass Clarinet, Trumpet and Percussion use the topic links below:-For further information concerning music compositions of Kerry R. Scott and the topic above use the links below:-
Trumpet Voluntary
Further information on Kerry R. Scott's life and Compositions
A listing/portfolio of the music compositions of Kerry R. Scott
Further Information on The Tudor Rose School of Music
Further information on the Music CD -- Bubble and Squeak
Further information on the Music CD -- Rattle and Rhyme
Further information on the Music CD -- Beyond the Virtual Creation
Further information on the Music CD -- Brandy Butter, Brass and Bells
Further information on the Music CD -- The Old, The New, and an Eclectic Medley
Further information on the Music CD -- Mass 2100
Orchestral Suite from Mass 2100 and Mass 2100 original performance edition.
Further information on the Music CD -- Smphony No. ! -- Soundscapes of a Forgotten Britian
Further information on the live recording of the first performance of Mass 2100
Further information on compositional and composition commissions.
Further information on the stories and writings of Kerry R. Scott.
ScottOpus PRODUCTIONS