Tres maestros con brio: Esmilla, Golez and Coo / Aspiras-Sipin in concert

Performing in the BMW Concert Series, the “Trio con Brio”, composed of violinist Joseph Esmilla, pianist Rudolf Golez and cellist Victor Coo might also be called the Tres Maestros for the following reasons.

Firstly, each has enormous inherent talent. Secondly, the three have had solid musical training here and abroad. Thirdly, they all have considerable performance experience and have garnered international awards. Fourthly, they are more or less of the same age, Rudolf probably being the youngest, Victor coming after him and Joseph being not much older than either of them.

Finally, and not the least, each has a passionate, all-embracing love for music.

Accordingly, the three immediately arrested attention, enthralling and dazzling their listeners from start to finish. Accents, phrases, every beat and last note of each piece were perfectly synchronized. Coo’s tones were luminous; Golez’s, sparkling; Esmilla’s, brilliant.

Capturing and conveying the structure, essence and spirit of Paul Schofield’s modern composition “Café Music” — its fast Allegro, slow Andante Moderato and even faster Presto — the trio infused the first movement with such energy and verve — its jazz elements surging forth — that Coo and especially Esmilla were practically bouncing off their seats and tapping their feet, with my neighbor Filfest president Vicky F. Zubiri doing likewise!

The Blues characterized the second movement; the third, even more jaunty and brisk than the first, was thoroughly expressive of the American git-up-and-go spirit.

Throughout, the technique was masterful; the ambiance, wholly exhilarating.

In statement and development, Mendelssohn’s romantic “Piano Trio in D Minor” totally contrasted with the contemporary piece, its beautiful melodious theme recurring again and again in the first movement. The composition was endearingly interpreted by the trio, the movements evoking utter sensitivity, refinement and delicacy, the finale — agitato — infused with fiery bravura.

Piazolla’s “Concerto para Trio” was delightful and exciting both as composition and interpretation. The piece, highly innovative and creative, with an air of improvisation, was a fusion of various elements injected with the composer’s own distinctive originality.

“Soledad”, slow and languid, was in dramatic contrast to “La Muerte del Angel”. Although Piazzolla tried his utmost to move away from the tango as far as possible, its rhythm was still discernible in “La Muerte”, making it all the more intriguing.

The applause, lusty and insistent, was rewarded with George Tanseco’s “Oil and Water”, this played to the accompaniment of thunder, lightning and rain. Piazzolla’s “Oblivion” left the audience still clamoring for more from the highly versatile maestros.

Filfest jointly sponsored the concert; its president Vicky F. Zubiri gave the opening remarks; Lina Racho served as emcee. The audience was welcomed by Jun Cajayon of Asian Carmakers Corporation.

Among those present at the invitational concert at the ACC office were celebrated painter Betsy Westendorp, Conchitina Bernardo, Elena Colomé, Dutch Ambassador Robert Brinks, Israeli Ambassador and Mrs. Menashe Bar-On, former Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, Bambi Harper, Eduardo Jarque, Minerva Tanseco, Chloe Periquet, Beng Fores and Zeny Cabral.

*      *      *

Former prodigy Carmencita Sipin-Aspiras will give a piano concert on Sept. 11, 6 p.m. at Philamlife Theater.

She studied at the Vienna Music U. earning an Artist’s Diploma, and at the Mozartzeum in Austria. On her Vienna debut, the Kurier commented: “Her intense playing displayed refinement of taste, versatility and an exceptional sense of style.”

S.F.-based Aspiras has concertized in Europe and recorded for radio in Vienna and Berlin. She played an all-Rachmaninoff recital at the CCP and premiered Sir Michael Tippett’s Concerto with the composer conducting. He said “her performance was of the highest quality from a musician of great sensitivity and intelligence.”