The French titles and tempo markings in this four-movement, twenty-minute-long trio point to the composer's particular affinity to French culture. The 'Prélude? is followed by an impressive 'Invocation?, an homage to Schlee's highly regarded former teacher Olivier Messiaen in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of his birth. This movement, composed somewhat earlier than the others, was the departing point for the work. Amongst contemporary music one is not likely to find titles like those that were chosen for the final two movements: 'Allégresse? (exultation, joy) and 'Eglogue? (eclogue - a short pastoral poem). The titles give the music a lasting dramaturgical quality. They reflect the lyrical, serene atmosphere of this extraordinary masterpiece. / Violon, Violoncelle Et Alto

These three pieces form a very short instrumental opera based on the life of James Reid a bagpiper in Prince Charlie's Jacobite army who was captured by the English in 1746 and executed after a judge had classified the bagpipes as a weapon. This piece is a string trio version of Sketches from a Bagpiper's Album (1984) for clarinet and piano scored for Violin Cello and Viola. Duration: c. 8 minutes. Score and parts included.