Scenes without Words

“Scenes without Words” is a four movement Piano Trio.Each one (except movement 4) named after something popular, or at least theatrical.

1. Circus Vibes – Gained its title when the composer realized that one of the early themes resembled “Entry of the Gladiators” (Thunder and Blazes), the most familiar of classic circus tunes.
2. Dickens and Nelly – An adaptation of a love duet form Act II of “Dickens and Nelly”, a collaboration between librettist Barbara Zinn Krienger and Charlie Greenberg, based on the scandalous, 13 year love affair between Charles Dickens and actress, Nelly Ternan.
3. A Homage Nina Simone – Inspired by the musical versatility of the African American singer and pianist whose gospel and classical roots influenced her evolving views of blues, folk jazz and the music of the civil rights movement.
4. Carl Churning Rides Again – A quixotic and rock-ish salute to that master of piano pedagogue, Carl Czernzy.

Premiered March 2, 2016

• Piano: Warren Helms
• Violin: Amy Hamilton-Soto
• Cello: Amy Butler Visscher