The Fidelio Trio - Rhona Clarke: A Different Game

Rhona Clarke is one of the Irish composers living in a shadow � the perception that Irish music consists only of stepdancing, jigs and reels. Our ongoing series of Irish music albums should demonstrate that fallacy. Clarke�s work is eclectic, brilliant and varied � from relatively �tough� constructs to quite tonal works with influences of jazz. Her Piano Trio No. 2 appeared on the previous M�tier release �Dancing in Daylight�, prompting one review to hope for a whole album devoted to her work � here it is. As well as three full pieces for Piano Trio, there are three for members of the ensemble. Apart from the said No. 2 Trio, all the works here are receiving the first recording. The Fidelio Trio continues to gain an ever more positive reputation as one of Europe�s most skilful and innovative ensembles, and is also gaining quite a following in the USA. They record for Naxos, NMC, Resonus, Delphian and Col Legno as well as M�tier.