Upland Trio:
Christopher Bade (BAY-dee), clarinet
Josh Aerie (AIR-ee), cello
Greg Kostraba (kuh-STRAH-bah), piano
Kickshaw 1003
“Mr. Sowash’s music cannot be pigeon-holed. At times neo-classical, romantic, neo-romantic, or impressionist, the music is always original and never hackneyed or low-brow.” ~ The Chamber Music Journal
Rick Sowash has been writing inventive, creative, evocative, and beautiful music for more than half-a century, with more than 500 musical compositions to his credit, as well as eight books, the most recent titled “How Music Means.” Kickshaw Records is proud to present an album of the composer’s final three trios for clarinet, cello & piano, performed by the Upland Trio, a dynamic ensemble from the heartland that wishes to expand accessibility, enjoyment, and knowledge of music, especially with works by living composers.
TRIO #11 FOR CLARINET, CELLO & PIANO (2003) “WE SANG, WE DANCED” (2003)
Though mostly joyful, this music looks backward with a nostalgic sigh. It recalls an earlier, happier time, for me personally, remembering when I used to sing and dance with the innocence of a child. It also recalls a happier time for the art of composing, recalling a long-ago time when it was a given that serious music would be tonal, melodic and accessible. ~Rick Sowash
TRIO #12 FOR CLARINET, CELLO & PIANO “VOYAGEURS” (2003)
Twelve is a mighty number and I wanted my twelfth clarinet trio to be expansive and majestic. It is an homage to Canada, the great land, right on our doorstep, which I have visited many times. The music grew out of my adventures in Algonquin Provincial Park, Quebec, the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia. The subtitle “Voyageurs” honors the French-Canadian mountain men who explored the west and befriended the First Nations peoples. The piano is the voyageur. I gave it a much more prominent role than it has in the preceding eleven trios. #12 is almost a piano concerto, with the clarinet and cello sitting in for the orchestra. ~Rick Sowash
TRIO #13 FOR CLARINET, CELLO & PIANO “PASSACAGLIA & FUGUE” (2004)
Trio #13 is cast in the dark, intense, rarely used key of E-flat minor and grew out of my response to unhappy current events. The Passacaglia explores the relationship between sorrow and beauty. The Fugue is an expression of the energy that is generated by outrage. My feelings about “the news of the day” are strong but I have rarely given expression to those feelings in my music. When I have done so I’m surprised at the intensity that results. This music is mostly very dark, making its exceptional moments of beauty and hopefulness all the more poignant. ~Rick Sowash
