THREE international performers come to Newton Abbot’s Courtenay Centre on the evening of March 14 to play glorious works by Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms.

The Piano Trio, Robin Green (piano), Daniel Auner (violin) and Ben Tarlton (cello), have all been performing on the world’s stages for many years. Daniel, hailing from Vienna, is steeped in its repertoire; Ben and Robin, both based in London and Wales, regularly play repertoire from early to contemporary periods. All three delight in ensemble and chamber performance.

They have chosen to start their concert with Mozart. His Trio in G major, K564 was composed in 1788. It contains such lyricism and elegance that one can almost believe one is eavesdropping on an intimate and domestic gathering.

Although part of his final set of piano trios, it was still published ‘for harpsichord or forte piano with the accompaniment of a violin and violoncello’. Deftness, subtlety, melody and fluidity are words that spring to mind as the piece dances among the players.

In contrast, Beethoven revolutionises the scene. His Trio in D major, Op. 70 No. 1 'Ghost' is transformative. The three instruments are equals, each embracing their power. At the time, no listener was prepared for what hit them when this trio entered the world. T

hough written in the anticipated three movements – fast/slow/fast – nothing else could be predicted. Today, we have become accustomed to Beethoven’s genius. In 1808, when this piece was composed, Beethoven’s deafness was well-advanced. It’s staggering for us to be able to witness his towering achievements despite (or was it because of?) what must have been such a momentous and almost overwhelming incapacity.

After the interval, The Piano Trio will play Brahms. Brahms was born six years after Beethoven’s death, but the legacy of this monumental figure dominated the western musical world for decades to come. At the age of 10, Brahms’ first ever recital contained a Beethoven composition. Later, Brahms’s teacher, a personal friend of Beethoven, immersed his pupil in the tradition of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert.

In the autumn of 1889, when he was 56, Brahms produced this last piano trio. It had been his first! But, 36 years after its original composition, he actually rewrote a large part of this youthful Opus 8 work. Only the Scherzo remained untouched. Brahms was able to graft new ideas seamlessly into the original. It is the 1889 revision that will be performed in Newton Abbot.

Robin, Daniel and Ben have chosen to take their audience on a journey. These piano trios span a period of a hundred years: the Classical and Romantic eras. The concert, promoted by Nadsa Concerts and sponsored by Rathbones Investment Management, will be performed at the Courtenay Centre, Newton Abbot, on Friday, March 14, at 7:30pm.

Tickets must be bought in advance online www.nadsa.co.uk or, failing that, at 01626 717730 (09:00 – 17:00).