Music Reviews

May 9, 2008 - In its current incarnation with violinist Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio, Reno's splendid Argenta Trio continues its winning ways

By Jack Neal

With violinist Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio on board replacing Phillip Ruder, who retired last year, Reno’s Argenta Trio continues to play brilliantly.

Sant’Ambrogio joined colleagues pianist James Winn and cellist John Lenz Sunday evening (5/4/08) for a program of Haydn’s Trio in D Major (Hob.XV:7), Lalo’s Trio in C minor (Op. 7), and Brahms’s Trio No. 2 in C Major (Op. 87). It was the trio’s last concert of the current season. Due to scheduling conflicts, it was my first experience with this new version of the Argenta.

Ruder had become such an iconic artistic fixture in Northern Nevada, it’s only natural to wonder what would become of Reno’s premier chamber music treasure in its post-Ruder era. The acquisition of Sant’Ambrogio as part of the music faculty at the University of Nevada, Reno is a major plus for Northern Nevada’s performing arts scene. She is a gifted solo artist with a stellar reputation.

From what was heard Sunday evening in Reno’s Nightingale Concert Hall, it’s evident that Reno chamber-music fans will have the pleasure of Sant’Ambrogio’s company as long as she wants to stay. The Argenta and UNR’s music department, where the trio is in residence, are in good hands.

The current trio’s sound is somewhat less aggressive. As exciting as its former sound was, it’s new sound is equally as pleasing. The teamwork between the Argenta’s three musicians creates a seamless collaboration that provides the music they play, and the audiences who listen, with distinctive, distinguished interpretations.

The Haydn’s charm set just the right tone for a genial evening of music making. The Haydn is a tour de force for piano, and a relatively free ride for violin and cello. But what a delightful free ride it is. Since Haydn’s piano trios are rich musical legacies filled with wonderful piano writing, their performances are always very special events. Winn’s technical command and artistry always thrills. It certainly did with this particular Haydn.

Performed with a freshness and spirit that gave sparkle to the concert, the Lalo was equally persuasive. Each player demonstrated an attentive ear for one another, while exhibiting an instinctive knack for personal expression. Lalo wrote sumptuous orchestral works. His ability to pull in his grand designs to a more intimate setting impresses. Impressive, too, was the Argenta’s subtle, loose-limbed presentation.

Turning on itself after the confidence of its opening unison theme, Brahms’s C major trio has a mysterious air about it. So deft were the performances, so compatible were the sharing of ideas, the performance also had an air of absolute truthfulness. How sweet to hear authentic Brahms. The scherzo dazzled with a barely suppressed passion, yet there wasn’t a moment when the ideas of the performers were put before the intentions of Brahms.

Another plus! Ninety minutes of chamber music (including intermission) is a perfect length for a chamber-music concert. But, then, everything about this lovely evening of music making was nicely planned, in grand taste and in perfect balance.

For information about future Argenta Trio events call 775-784-4278, or 800-225-2277, or go online at www.unr.edu/arts.