This CD features an interesting cross-section of works from the 20th century. Although Argentinian Astor Piazzolla, American Charles Ives and Swiss Daniel Schnyder are very different personalities and thus almost impossible to compare, they are bound by their capacity to work with stylistically very diverse musical material without fear of venturing into the realms of popular, jazz or folk music.

All are masters of compositional technique and counterpoint. They have carefully studied and are thoroughly familiar with the classical music tradition, but consciously set off on other, non-traditional paths. Moreover, all three composers lived in New York at some time in their lives; the cultural diversity and freedom of the city certainly influenced them.

Schnyder wrote his «Piano Trio 1999/2000» especially for the Zurich Piano Trio. The ensemble had been thinking about an excursion into jazz for some time, and Daniel wrote a wonderful, many-faceted trio for them, while never forgetting their classical heritage.

Gabriel Adorján, Joël Marosi and Christiane Frucht first met at the «First International Jerusalem Music Encounters» that took place under the direction of Isaac Stern, Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax and Yefim Bronfman in 1993. In 1994 the ensemble won their first of many first prizes at the Charles Hennen Competition in Holland.

The Zurich Piano Trio has performed in Holland, Israel, Belgium, Germany, the United States and Switzerland. In 1997 they were invited by Isaac Stern to the «Isaac Stern Chamber Music Workshop» in New York, where they made their Carnegie Hall debut in the closing concert.