Klarinette in B (Trio Nr. II für Klarinette in B, Viola und Klavier)

The combination of clarinet, viola and piano is quite common, whereby the 'Eight Pieces op. 83' by Max Bruch and Mozart's Kegelstatt Trio are probably the best-known works. Frank Knabben's Trio No. II, composed in 1989, has three movements and lasts 11 minutes. 'Bold and fresh' is the tempo indication for the first movement and this movement is indeed convincing with a lively main theme and various dialogues between the instruments involved in two-four time. The 2nd theme in three-four time is almost equally important and is rightly performed twice.

In contrast to the two outer movements, the tonal language of the second, quiet movement is eccentric and harmonically bold. The piano performs parts A and B soloistically, while the viola and clarinet repeat the themes in very different ways. The subsequent change of time signature is ingenious, with the composer using simple means to create an interlocking development section that leads the listener into a labyrinth of changing harmonies. Hardly recognisable, individual structures are renewed in the concluding C section; the movement ends calmly like a chorale, but without resolving the tonal tensions.

The last movement is conciliatory and very pleasing. Knabben chooses the A-B-A form here, with a romantic waltz in the B section.

The opening theme - which is modulated several times - is immediately catchy and memorable. One would like to hear this movement twice in a row.

Overall, the work is convincing and cohesive. All the instruments are elegantly staged, the overall sound is balanced and testifies to the best knowledge of the musical 'protagonists'.