Rhona Clarke is one of the Irish composers living in a shadow - the perception that Irish music consists only of stepdancing, jigs and reels....

Rhona Clarke is one of the Irish composers living in a shadow - the perception that Irish music consists only of stepdancing, jigs and reels. Our ongoing series of Irish music albums should demonstrate that fallacy. Clarke's work is eclectic, brilliant and vaired - from relatively "tough" constructs to quite tonal works with influences of jazz. Her Piano Trio No. 2 appeared on the previous Metier release "Dancing in Daylight", prompting one review to hope for a whole album devoted to her work - here it is. As well as three full pieces for Piano Trio, there are three for members of the ensemble. Apart from the said No. 2 Trio, all the works here are receiving the first recording. The Fidelio Trio continues to gain an ever more positive reputation as one of Europe's most skillfull and innovative ensembles, and is also gaining quite a following in the USA.