Copland: Vitebsk - Study on a Jewish Theme

This Trio was completed in 1929 and first performed at a concert of the League of Composers in New York in February of that year. The Jewish folk theme, which is used as an integral part of the work, was heard by the composer during a performance of Ansky's play “The Dybbuk.” The particular version of the folk tune used in the play was first heard by Ansky in his birthplace, Vitebsk.