Leaves Fall Like Snow

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Piano Trio

2024

Cello

Piano

Violin

Program Notes: Leaves Fall Like Snow is a seven-minute piece for a piano trio that portrays the last leaves falling onto the ground along with snow on the final day of winter. The piece predominantly stays in the extremely high register to depict the floating journey of the leaves and snow until they touch the ground. Its floating movement is enhanced by the extensive use of grace notes and calligraphic glissandi. At several moments when the leaves touch the ground, they release the memories of the entire year they have cherished, which never last long enough. The climactic point washes away the last bits of reminiscence with a sudden gust of rich harmony and pleasing dissonance. At the request of the trio to respond to Piazzolla’s Four Seasons on the program, the last minute of the piece incorporates a melodic quotation from Piazolla's Winter to signify the complete arrival of winter. As the snow melts, heralding the arrival of spring, the piece concludes with the melody of Spring from the same work by Piazzolla.
Performer Credits: Trio Sponte: Nick Hammel, Violin; Stephanie Yang, Cello; Charles Berofsky, Piano
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