Trio No.2 (2022) by Xander Benham (*1996)

Xander Benham - Trio No.2 (2022) for Violin, Saxophone and piano.
Performed by Linde Van de Ven, Sven Smeets and Xander Benham.
Audio by Harold Bergsma.
www.haroldbergsma.nl/
Video by Martijn Hak.
@manomediapictures
Recorded on November 17th 2022 @heronroadstudios1793 in The Netherlands.
Please contact the composer at [e-mail] to purchase the scores.
www.xanderbenham.com/
Notes about the work:
In 2019 Xander completed his first Trio, a glimpse into his explorations as a "Fourthstream" composer (elements from classical, jazz and modern dance music). Unlike the the more free form and sporadic ideologies from the first Trio, this second Trio (2022) is much more mature in form and style.
Written in one movement and in loose rondo form, it is harmonically and rhythmically complex, yet understandable, giving the work its classical edge. This work directly relates to the modern jazz/neo-jazz/acid-jazz style. Rhythmically and through the use of ostinati, this work is recognisably influenced by techno-house dance music from the 21st century.
The first theme is inspired by minimalist jazz and represents the decent into something, a sadness, a fear, a good time maybe? Very atmospheric, mimicking dark-jazz styles and the landscapes in the writing style of the late 20th century classical repertoire.
From bar 14, with a quirky return from bar 105, is the result of the first themes decent. A fusion of house music and jazz. This is experiential, imitating club music, the vibes, the energy, the fun, the chaos, it is fast changing and exciting. Towards the end of the piece, Xander distracts the listener with boogie woogie and 1950's upbeat jazz, for humorous effect, before descending back into the club music feel.
The B section is heavily influenced by the Romantic writing of the late 19th century, with the harmonic writing from late 20th century jazz. The theme is extended from the first theme and has become hardly recognisable, it is relentless in telling its story. This section explores the balladic writing of big bands from the 40s and 50s but in the modern, day which is often with strings for a much broader and amazing sound and lush harmonic writing. Rhythmically this is also complex because it is in reminiscence of the house music previously heard.
Commissioned by Saxophonist Sven Smeets for his final masters exam in The Netherlands in June 2022.
Approximately 11 minutes in length.
Your pianist and Composer,
Xander Benham.

[@SofocMusic]

Really beautiful composition! Great job!!!

[@stefan.kraus-composer]

Rich in ideas and variety. Beautiful!

[@DirkTomandl]

Colorful piece in a rich buffet of styles. Very nice!

[@DucoBurgers]

Spectacular! Bravo!

[@xanderbenhampianistcomposer]

Very kind thanks.

[@marieginocchio222]

Excellent and interesting piece. I can certainly hear Kapustin's influence and enjoy the jazzy elements. Kudos to the performers as well.