Professional Reviews

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Concert Reviews

Cochise College Cultural Events came up with a winner. The Merling Trio possesses tremendous talent, ingratiating tone quality, and unlimited technique. They are formidable.

The audience gave the Trio a prolonged standing ovation and the performers responded with an encore, “Gypsy Rondo”. The pianist played the introduction at an impossibly fast tempo, but then the other two accomplished the impossible and stayed with her to the end!

Richard H. Zoller, Sierra Vista Herald
February, 2008

“The tangos are fascinating, captivating pieces and the music was well served in the Merling’s magnificent performance. It was an exhilarating concert, and the capacity audience gave it a warm reception. Only one thing was missing…an encore!”

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The Charleston Journal Gazette Times-Courier
October, 2005

“The three Merling musicians played with a sound that’s attractive and substantive, with sweet, ripe tone and expressive, red-wine timbre…..their playing left a lasting impression.”

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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
April, 2005

“The Merling Trio made a powerful impression, with unabashed romanticism and finesse. I hope British audiences will soon have a renewed opportunity to hear this excellent ensemble.”

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Musical Opinion, London
September, 2003

“...provocative and stimulating...a dynamic entity.”

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The Kalamazoo Gazette
April, 2003

“The Merling Trio played with much panache, and their interpretation showed the Bray audience how exciting chamber music can indeed be.”

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Flint On The Town
November, 2000

“Throughout Thursday night’s recital, it seemed as though each performer was reading the composers’ feelings along with the notes on the printed scores. In fact, the impression was given that the heart of each piece on the program supported the technical execution, and not the other way around. That quality is surprisingly rare in music performance.”

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The Grand Rapids Press
August 7, 1998

“The Merling Trio performed with the warmth of a family coming home to play for friends...the players shaped a grand interpretation, fluent in rhythm, clear in structure and rich in romantic feeling.”

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The Cleveland Plain Dealer
November 14, 1995

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CD Reviews

"Herein lies the triumph behind their interpretation of this work. Quite often in other performances the more joyful memories have remained somewhat hidden within the cloying tragedy behind its inspiration. This is not so apparent on this recording and the result is a thought provoking rendition that builds towards a finale that shifts between the macabre and onwards towards feelings of hope and potential liberation.

Another excellent release and one that is highly recommended!"

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Jeff Perkins
Blogcritics, July 2009
Buy the New CD from MSR Classics

"Postcards in E is the title of an attractive offering by the Merling Trio of famous works by Dvorák and Shostakovich. In this program the Merling, consisting of Renata Artman Knific, violin; Bruce Uchimura, cello; and Susan Wiersma Uchimura, piano, show the primary quality that distinguishes their art, which the American Record Guide aptly described as 'a properly stylistic balance between abandon and control.'"

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Atlanta Audio Society, January, 2009
Postcards in E
Buy the New CD from MSR Classics

“They are gathering an impressive list of commissions, concert and press reviews and a quick listen through to the opening Piazzolla Nuevo tango arrangements for piano trio will show you why...The musicians here play with a great sense of nuance, style and flair; the ensemble is really outstanding, committed and convincing throughout the performances.”

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Bass World Magazine by Robert Nairn, February, 2007
Music of Astor Piazzolla and Frank Proto

“.the Merlings play with a properly stylistic balance between abandon and control. They do the same for Proto's beautifully atmospheric quartet. American music would be much the poorer without this blending of styles. This is an unusual and beautifully played program.”

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American Record Guide, January/February 2007
Music of Astor Piazzolla and Frank Proto

“All the performances are excellent. The Merling Trio is an ensemble that deserves much more exposure. The composer could not ask for better interpreters.”

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Fanfare, September/October 2005
The Merling Trio Performs C. Curtis-Smith

“The trio...negotiates complex rhythms with ease and brings a feeling of romantic repose to ‘The Secret Heart of Sound’.”

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The Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 1995
The Merling Trio Performs C. Curtis-Smith

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