Commissioned and premiered by Chris Gekker, trumpeter with the American Brass Quintet, "Trio for Trumpet, Violin and Piano" has been recorded by Philip Smith (principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic), and is available on Cala Records "New York Legends" series.

The composer writes:

"Using the Brahms Horn Trio as a model, with its rich combination of a string instrument, a brass instrument and piano, this Trio alternates melodic material between the two solo instruments with the piano providing a resonant accompaniment. Traditionally, the trumpet has provided composers with bright, brilliant sonorities, often used heroically or dramatically. In this work, the expressive and lyrical qualities of the instrument are also emphasized, helping to display its full range of coloristic possibilities.

The work opens peacefully and elegiacally. Although intimations of dramatic tension appear, they ultimately fade away into serenity.

The second movement is dynamic and intense, with agitated gestures, ostinato patterns, abrupt shifts in rhythm, sudden silences and a general feeling of excitement permeating the music. The movement is in a traditional sonata-allegro form.

The Adagio is an introspective ballade. The trumpet sings a melancholy song as the violin and piano provide a background of contrasting harmonic textures. Occasionally they sing out their own intimate melodies, but the trumpet's voice keeps coming back in variations of its own quiet soliloquy.

The finale is a joyous dance in a rondo form, filled with playful gestures and rhythms. This movement is influenced by the traditional Mariachi Music of Mexico -- where two trumpets, two violins and two guitars combine to create a wonderfully rich and energetic texture. Towards the end of this movement, a brief recollection of the first movement gives way to complete exhilaration as the music spins to a rousing finale."