Trio Energico is written in a three movement, fast-slow-fast structure, similar to the three movement structure associated with the classical trio. The piece begins with an energetic ostinato motive played by the whole ensemble. This ostinato, often found in the accompanying voices of a classical piano trio, here, is the dominant motive in fortissimo. Later, in the first part, as melodic ideas are being developed and begin to play a more prominent role, the rhythmic ostinato recedes into the background though it still maintains its energetic and percussive quality. In the last several measures the ostinato returns to prominence.
An inward looking and meditative second movement, built on modal harmonies, follows. We associate these modes with Gregorian music as well as with Israeli folk music and art music related to folklore. These modes, in fast and dance like tempi could give the work an Israeli character, but due to the slow and meditative character of this movement it is more likely to be associated with medieval music inspired by Gregorian modes.
The third movement, bearing the title “Jazzy” is fast and dance-like. It is the first piece in which the composer incorporated rhythmic elements of Jazz. The work comes to an end with quotations from the first and second movements, coming full circle by returning to the percussive ostinato motive heard at the beginning of the piece.
Trio Energico was composed at the request of the pianist Martina Graf-Niessner of Mainz, and the work is dedicated to her. Ms. Graf-Niessner performed the world premiere of this piece in Mainz in 2006 with her trio "Trois Femmes" and the same ensemble also played it in Duesseldorf in May, 2007. The Israeli premier took place at a concert arranged by the Musica Nova Consort in March, 2007 in Tel Aviv.
The work is included in the CD "Ethalech Be'artsot Hachayim - I Will Walk in the Land of the Living", 2008.
