Classical Composer: | Beethoven, Ludwig van |
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Work: | Piano Trio in E-Flat Major, WoO 38 |
Year Composed: | 1791 |
Instrumentation: | vn, vc, pf |
Publishers: |
G. Henle Verlag Universal Edition |
Duration: | 00:17:00 |
Period: | Classical (1750-1830) |
Work Category: | Chamber Music |
Work Information
Available Recording(s)
The Piano Trio in E flat major, WoO 38, again belongs to the first period of Beethoven's career, before his departure for Vienna in 1792. It has been conjecturally dated to 1790 or 1791. This is a much maturer work than the earlier single movement Allegretto and came during a period of greater creativity that seems to have coincided with the retirement of his father from active service in the musical establishment of the archbishop and of Beethoven's assumption of responsibility for his younger brothers, supported by part of his father's pension, now officially to be paid directly to Beethoven, although that humiliating arrangement did not in fact take place.
The piano opens the work with a cheerful principal subject, developed by the violin, leading to a subsidiary subject, material duly developed before the expected recapitulation and, at this period of his career, less expected coda. The Scherzo that follows is the first example of such a title and form in Beethoven's music and retains much of the character of the customary Minuet, with a Trio marked by a running piano part. The work ends with a Rondo of some originality, providing a pleasing conclusion.
Writer: Keith Anderson
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