Dennis Wu: Trio
for violin, cello and piano| I | Più lento alla fantasia | Listen |
| II | Allegretto scherzando | Listen |
| III | Vivo | Listen |
Trio is completed in 2000, a graduation composition of Dennis Wu's study in the university. Trio is among the first important musical output in Dennis Wu's repertoire, this piece is selected to be performed in the exchange concert organized by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Tokyo National University of Fine Arts in 2000. The piece was also played in a masterclass of David Del Tredici and was commented as "an ambitious piece" by this renowned composer.
The first movement is a slow movement, quiet with an uneasy feeling. Music generally has a textural background with repetitive groups. Melodies are fragmented and dissonant, contributing to the uneasy mood.
The second movement is a scherzo. The violin and cello will play entirely by pizzicato and piano will play on its high register.
The third movement is furiously quick. The music develops around the beginning motif by cello and the quick figure of a minor second in the middle section.
The piece was also played in the Bauhinia Concert of Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2000.
Recording and Performer
This recording is recorded live at Triphony Hall, Tokyo on August 1, 2000.
Hanada Wakako, violin
Obtained a B.A. in Music from Oxford University, and an M.A. from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music where she is currently studying a Ph.D. She has studied the violin with Gyorgy Pauk and Kazuki Sawa.
Nishiyama Kenichi, cello
He went to the Music High School of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and he is now 4th age of same University. He was awarded most outstanding performance of 6th Sapporo Junior Violoncello Competition. In 1999 he joined Saitho Memorial Chamber School for Youth Players. His performance with Geidai Philharmonic Orchestra would be scheduled. He studied under Fumiako Kouno, Tomoya Kikuchi and Hiroyuki Kanaki.
Oikawa Yumi, piano
She went to the Music High School of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music and graduated from the Keyboard Department (Piano) of the National University of Fine Arts and Music. She has studied with Mrs. Shigeko Okamura, Mrs. Toshiko Katsutani and Mr. Klaus Schilde. She won a prize in the 2nd Piano Audition and performed at the Prizewinnders' concert. Apart from winning the 2nd Prize in the Tokyo Division of the 40th All Japan Student Music Competition, she was also awarded the 1st Prize in the 1st Yachiyo Music Festival Piano Competition. She has performed in such concerts as "Music in Present Tense" and "An Evening of ISCM/ACL." She also took part in the ACL's Bangkok Music Festival '95.
Première
Performers: Hanada Wakako, violin. Nishiyama Kenichi, cello. Oikawa Yumi, piano
Triphony Hall, Tokyo. August 1, 2000.