L.A. Piano Trio Sets Animated Tone

Los Angeles has itself a new chamber ensemble, and, if first impressions are any indication, it’s a good one.

Composed of three prominent local freelance musicians--violinist Clayton Haslop, cellist Timothy Landauer and pianist Joanne Pearce Martin--the Los Angeles Piano Trio, in only its second public appearance, played like a veteran team for Sunday’s season opening concert of the Stotsenberg Recital Series at Pepperdine University’s Raitt Recital Hall.

Ensemble cohesion and strong individual playing were apparent from the start, but as Beethoven’s Trio, Opus 70, No. 2, proceeded, it became clear that these musicians were excited to be together. They were listening to one another and to the music, and they settled into just the right pace, establishing the right spirit for the subject at hand. The results were not only highly articulate but also animated. Toe tapping wasn’t out of place.

Joined by oboist Allan Vogel, the trio gave the world premiere of Tania Gabrielle French’s “Four Illuminations,” commissioned by Vogel. Written fluently in a sometimes lyrical, sometimes propulsive idiom, “Illuminations” makes its points with ease. One senses the composer’s technical mastery--the piece abounds in unlabored counterpoint and imaginative, unforced sonorities--and her ability to say what she means and stop. With descriptive movement titles--”Fluid Skies,” “Playful Dance”--”Illuminations” is at once accessible, engaging and smart.

With Pearce Martin, Vogel also offered the voluptuous tunefulness of Schumann’s Three Romances and, with Haslop, the lively chatter of Telemann’s Duo, Opus 2, No. 3, in persuasive readings.