The Trio d'Anches as exemplified by three contemporary French composers

Abstract

The direct translation of the French title, trio d'anches, is simply trio of reeds. It consists of the standard reed instruments of the orchestra: oboe, clarinet, and bassoon. The main purpose of this study is to help the American reader appreciate and be more familiar with this unique and largely unknown chamber music genre. Unknown, because it is more represented in some countries of the world than in others, both in numbers of compositions and performers of these compositions. In France, for example, there are professional trios concertizing year around as well as faculty trios attached to most music conservatories. In the United States, however, there has been very little interest in this combination. The author will be discussing the contributions of some composers from other countries later in this document. Throughout this study, the author has chosen to refer to the trio of reeds as trio d'anches for two reasons. First, the French composers have been primarily responsible for the output of this group's music-- approximately 36% of the entire repertoire, with 17 countries represented. Second, since the French were the first to create this combination and write for it, the author has selected only French composers as examples. The pieces chosen cover a time period from 1897-1954. It is interesting to note that the most significant international increase in the composing, performing, and publishing of wind chamber music occurred in the 1930's and 40's. However, since that time virtually every combination, including the trio d'anches, has continued to be recognized with new and expansive compositions.