The Aulos Trio was formed in Ottawa in 1991. The group’s name derives from the ancient Greek instrument which had two pipes played by a single musician. The two pipes here are the flute and clarinet, accompanied by piano or harpsichord, depending on the repertoire. The Aulos Trio’s repertoire is comprised of music from the 19th and 20th centuries written specifically for this combination of instruments, as well as music arranged for this combination from the chamber music and orchestral literature which features the flute and clarinet.

The repertoire on Playing Tribute was chosen by the Aulos Trio to honour six Canadian composers who all celebrated significant birthdays in the first half of the 1990s:

– Calixa Lavallée’s 150th anniversary

– Harry Freedman’s 70th birthday in 1992

– Violet Archer’s 80th birthday in 1993

– Clifford Crawley’s 65th birthday in 1994

– Elliott Weisgarber’s 75th birthday in 1994

– Wolfgang Bottenberg’s 65th birthday in 1995

As well, two of the works have reached significant milestones: 1994 marks the 50th anniversary of Archer’s Sonata for Flute, Clarinet and Piano, and the 120th of Lavallée’s Le papillon.

ELLIOT WEISGARBER

1-4. Sonatine for Flute, Clarinet & Piano

WOLFGANG BOTTENBERG

5-7. Trio for Flute, Clarinet & Piano

CLIFFORD CRAWLEY

8-15. Pieces of Eight

HARRY FREEDMAN

16. Toccata (for Flute & Clarinet)

VIOLET ARCHER

17-20. Sonata for Flute, Clarinet & Piano

CALIXA LAVALLÉE

21. Le papillon