Hvoslef Chamber Works No. VII

"Trio for Soprano, Alto and Piano" was written the same year as "Kvartoni" (LWC 1117), one of Hvoslef's early masterpieces. Not surprisingly, then, the two works are based on similar melodic material. The choice of ensemble (two female voices and piano) is very telling with regard to Hvoslef's musical ideals. We have two innocent and playful voices set against one of the largest and potentially most overpowering instruments. Hvoslef's love of contrast is, thus, readily served from the outset. "This is a highly recommendable disc which, despite its challenging aspects, is approachable and enjoyable." - Musicweb International Whereas the third string quartet appears to be music of the city, the "Sextet for Flute and Percussion" seems to take place in the jungle. As was the case in "Trio for Soprano, Alto and Piano", the instrumental forces here are ostensibly right out of balance: a vulnerable flute (and occasional alto flute) against five potentially fierce and merciless percussionists. The latter (incarnated as a bass drum quartet and a timpanist) do, in the end, beat the flute into submission, rendering it "voiceless": when the percussion finally recedes, we are left with the rhythmical sound of the flute's keys.