Classical Music | Music for Trio

Recorded on 01/16/2016, uploaded on 08/12/2016

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

I.     Molto allegro ed agitato
II.    Andante con moto tranquillo
III.   Scherzo: Leggiero e vivace
IV.    Finale: Allegro assai appassionato

By the time Mendelssohn began his Piano Trio No. 1 (1839), the construction of pianos, violins, and cellos had been significantly modified and improved in their sound quality which allowed the composer to have greater variety of colors and emotional range for the piece. The cello is the main character of the first movement, Molto Allegro agitato. The movement begins with a cello solo which introduces a beautiful yet melancholic melody as the first theme, accompanied by the piano to create an orchestral sonority underneath. The second theme is again introduced by the cello but this time the character is more welcoming and warm. Mendelssohn does not forget to highlight the other two instruments, giving the violin and piano virtuosic, cadenza-like passages throughout the movement. The second movement, Andante con moto tranquillo, is a love duet between the piano and strings. The third movement, Scherzo, features Mendelssohn's signature style which conveys sparkling and magical qualities. Mendelssohn ends the piece with a powerful Finale in which the theme starts in a quiet and uneasy character but then gradually grows in tension and climaxes in a dramatic explosion of energy at the end.          Notes by Dr. Beth Nam

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.