Oberlin Trio Releases New CD of Expressive Chamber Music

The Oberlin Trio, the acclaimed ensemble founded in 1982 by three members of the Oberlin Conservatory faculty, has released a new CD on the conservatory's official record label, Oberlin Music.

Dvořák | Shostakovich | Tower features three distinctive pieces that traverse disparate worlds en route to the same destination: Each one is an emotionally charged expression of its composer’s life.

The recording opens with Dmitri Shostakovich’s Trio No. 2, a compelling tale of human endurance and tragedy, informed by the swirling emotions of the composer’s turbulent personal life and the toll of toiling in the shadow of oppressive Soviet Russia. It is contrasted by Joan Tower’s Big Sky, inspired by her childhood memories of horseback riding amid the bucolic mountain valleys of Bolivia. Rounding out the recording is Antonin Dvořák’s Dumky trio: a suite-like collection of movements, alternately joyful and melancholic, inspired by traditional Bohemian music.

Originally consisting of violinist Stephen Clapp, pianist Joseph Schwartz, and cellist Andor Toth Jr., the Oberlin Trio today features Oberlin faculty members David Bowlin (violin), Haewon Song (piano), and Amir Eldan (cello). Together, they have presented recitals and master classes across the United States, Korea, and China. In keeping with the ensemble’s commitment to educating young artists, members of the Oberlin Trio enjoy teaching at top music schools in the U.S. and abroad.

Distributed by Naxos of America, the Oberlin Trio’s Dvořák | Shostakovich | Tower is available through select retailers and digital music channels worldwide.

Oberlin Music is the official record label of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Other recent titles include full moon in the city featuring bassoon professor George Sakakeeny and Gabrieli by the National Brass Ensemble.