THREE PLUS ONE Rebecca Clarke Piano Trio (1921) Moszkowski Suite for 2 violins and piano Op 71 Brahms Piano Quartet No 3 in c minor Op 60 Lawson Trio with Paul Barritt Francesca Barritt violin Rebecca Knight cello Annabelle Lawson piano Paul Barritt violin, viola British born composer Rebecca Clarke was something of a pioneer. Her first successful work was published under a male pseudonym, so unacceptable it was in the early 20th Century to be both a woman and a successful composer. Compared to some of her contemporaries, it is written in a conservative musical language but nevertheless is strikingly original and reflects the influence of both Debussy and Ravel. The German musician Moszkowski was so lauded in his time he earned the title ‘The Sunshine Composer’ and was considered the most successful salon composer of his day. This melodious music is intended to charm our senses and be pleasing to the ear. The concert ends with a piano quartet which was perhaps the most painfully autobiographical of Brahms’s instrumental works. Written over a period of many years, it stems from the period of his entangled relationship with both Robert and Clara Schumann. Containing music of stunning beauty and pained agitation it is easily one of Brahms’ finest and most moving achievements... See more >