Moeran's String Trio dates from 1931 and was dedicated to the then well-known Pasquier Trio. The opening Allegretto is in the rather unusual time of 7/8 which creates a rather unique effect. The striking Adagio which is full of emotion and shows great dynamic range from the softest to the loudest. A ferocious Moto vivace takes the place of a scherzo. The finale begins with a charming Andante grazioso which leads to a muscular Presto which concludes the work.
Ernest Moeran (1894-1950) was born in Heston near London. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to the remote Norfolk Fen Country. As a child he learned to play the violin and piano. He subsequently enrolled at the Royal College of Music and studied composition with Charles Villiers Stanford. He fought in World War One and received a received a severe head injury, with shrapnel embedded too close to the brain for removal. He underwent what would now be considered primitive head surgery which involved the fitting of a metal plate into the skull. Unsurprisingly this was to affect him for the rest of his life. After discharge, in 1920 he continued his studies the Royal College, staying there under John Ireland.
