By Lyn Bronson

“Inspired by the notion of the double helix as the dynamic intertwining and interdependence of spiraling energies that generate life,” the three Boston-based musicians calling themselves “Triple Helix”  have earned a solid reputation both live in concert and on CD. On this occasion they joined with violist Paul Hersh to present an interesting program at All Saints Church in Carmel as the last of this seasons “Mozart Series” presented by the Carmel Music Society.

It was perhaps their misfortune to present a piano trio concert precisely one week after the tremendously exciting performance the previous Friday by the Kallichstein/Laredo/Robinson Trio. By comparison it was a bit like hearing a firecracker on the 5th of July.

Nevertheless, the three fine players of the Triple Helix, violinist Bayla Keyes, cellist Rhonda Rider and pianist Lois Shapiro, turned in solid performances of three major works: Beethoven’s Piano Trio, Op. 70, No, 2 (the companion work to Beethove’s “Ghost Trio heard the previous week), Mozart’s Piano Quartet in G Minor K. 478, and finally Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 49. As an added bonus, it is always a pleasure to hear chamber music at All Saints Church because the acoustics are so warm and intimate. No matter how softly the instruments play, the sound remains clear and intense.

A few years ago, Triple Helix was scheduled for a concert at All Saints Church, but at the last moment, pianist Shapiro became ill and the concert almost was canceled.  Pianist Paul Hersh came to the rescue and after a brief one rehearsal, the group turned out a very fine performance indeed.

Therefore, on this occasion it seemed appropriate to ask Mr. Hersh to join the ensemble once again, however this time as a violist in the performance of the Mozart Piano Quartet in G Minor. Paul Hersh is one of our Renaissance men. He is extremely literate, a fine pianist, an excellent viola player and is reputed to have many other areas of interest in which he demonstrates considerable expertise—I wouldn’t even be surprised to learn that he bunjee jumps, swallows goldfish and plays the tuba. In any event, his contribution to the Mozart Piano Quartet was impressive.

Perhaps the high point of the evening was the performance of Mendelssohn’s famous Piano Trio in D Minor, a work that represents a high point in Romantic chamber music. This great work achieved a considerable cumulative effect by the time it reached the exciting final movement.

As is its custom, the Carmel Music Society invited the audience after the performance to meet the musicians at an elaborate reception — with some excellent goodies prepared by Victoria Davis.

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