Pas De Trois
Navona, 2025
8/10
A chamber effort that surrounds the possibilities of the oboe, violin, viola, and piano, thanks to the VentiCordi Chamber Music we are treated to the works of 3 composers.
The title track, by Ned Rorem, opens with Pamela Mia Paul’s delicate piano complementing the stirring strings that can be also be quite animated and playful across the 6 diverse chapters.
Hans Gál’s “Trio For Oboe, Violin and Viola, Op. 94” arrives in the middle and showcases Kathleen McNerney’s dreamy oboe amid the pretty strings via Dean Stein’s violin and Susan Dubois’, viola prowess.
“Air, Variations & Finale” exits, and allows for Stein’s flowing violin to complement the meticulous oboe from McNerney and Paul’s frisky keys that populate the Dorothy Howell track.
An effort of neo-romanticism, French influences and intimate chamber nods, each selection is fleshed out superbly.
Travels well with: Toivo Tulev- Dawn, Almost Dawn; Marcus Eley- That’s A Different Groove