The Fourth Person

Who is the “fourth person” in a piano trio?

The project delves into the dynamics and the fascinating and secret mechanisms of a classical ensemble. Is it possible to explain how the soul of an ensemble arises, and how a unique language and invisible signs are created? And why do musicians actually play better when they play with their partners?

“The Fourth Person” focuses on the synergy within classical ensembles. The project explores what might be called the identity of the ensemble – or its ‘extra person’ – in a number of different ensemble combinations. As its starting point, the project takes a well-established ensemble, Trio con Brio Copenhagen, and from there the study develops with a number of different ensembles (including ensembles composed of students) and themes and explores the role of the “fourth person” in rehearsal/practice and performance.

Below, you can see a video from the first phase of the project.

The project is funded through a grant from the Ministry of Culture’s pool for artistic research.