Introduction and Barrage

Introduction and Barrage was commissioned by the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival for the Gryphon Trio. The Introduction (Tranquillo, flessibile) presents the material for the Barrage: the opening string duo, the chordal piano melody that becomes lyrical and wispy in the cello, and the turgid multiple-stop passages in the violin. The Barrage (Allegro eruttare) deconstructs these ideas in a clear rondo structure. The refrain—a new, twisted dance-like piano phrase answered by scurrying strings—gives way several times to lyrical episodes based on the music from the Introduction. In the end, a gathering of energy and an attempt by the opening theme of the piece to take over the proceedings cause the momentum of the piece to collapse upon itself. Shed of its exuberance and rhythmic drive, the intensity of the music nevertheless continues in the anguished coda.

Composition Date: 2003

Piano Trio

Approximate Duration: 9’

Purchase score & parts

Performance History

  • 05 July 2003; Gryphon Trio; Norfolk, CT (World Premiere)

  • 07 July 2003; Gryphon Trio; Princeton, NJ

  • 23 Mar 2004; Gryphon Trio; Toronto, ON, Canada

  • 28 Feb 2009; Juventas!; Boston, MA

  • 02 Mar 2009; Juventas!; Boston, MA

  • 21 July 2015; Talis Festival; Saas-Fee, Switzerland

  • 03 Apr 2022; Texas New Music Ensemble; Houston, TX

  • 29 Sep 2024; Musiqa; Houston, TX

  • 13 Aug 2025; Texas New Music Ensemble; Mexico City, Mexico