Beethoven Trios on the Coast

Exploring the piano trios of Beethoven from his early and middle periods. 
Trio op.3 no.1 in C minor and op.70 no. 1 in D major

with Elektra Schmidt, piano, Sarah Elert, violin and Lewis Patzner, cello.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 1 No. 3 (1795)

The trios of Opus 1 were written during Beethoven's early years in Vienna, where he was determined to establish himself as a serious composer rather than just a virtuoso pianist. These trios were premiered at a private concert in 1795 at the residence of Prince Lichnowsky, Beethoven's patron. The event was attended by some of the most influential musical figures of the time, including Joseph Haydn.

Beethoven had a particular affection for the C minor trio, which distinguished itself from the other two in the Opus 1 set with its dramatic intensity and structural innovation. In fact, the work's boldness and complexity reportedly led to a moment of tension with Haydn, who suggested that Beethoven reconsider publishing this trio as part of the set, fearing it might be too challenging for the public. Beethoven, however, stood by his composition, a decision that underscored his confidence and foreshadowed his later works in the same key, including the famous Symphony No. 5.

This trio, often considered the most symphonic of the Opus 1 set, unfolds in four movements: a dark and brooding Allegro con brio, a lyrical Andante cantabile con variazioni, a nimble and graceful Menuetto, and a fiery, intense Finale. The work showcases Beethoven’s ability to balance the conversational interplay between the piano, violin, and cello, while pushing the boundaries of the trio form.

The Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 70 No. 1, is often referred to as the "Ghost" Trio due to its eerie and mysterious second movement. Composed in 1808 during one of Beethoven's most prolific periods, this trio is a testament to the composer’s evolving style, blending classical forms with the dramatic intensity that would define his middle period.

The nickname "Ghost" is attributed to Carl Czerny, Beethoven's student, who remarked on the spectral quality of the second movement, Largo assai ed espressivo. This movement is believed to have been inspired by sketches Beethoven made for an opera based on Shakespeare's Macbeth, a project that never came to fruition. The haunting atmosphere is created through the use of unusual harmonic progressions and a sparse, brooding texture that contrasts sharply with the lively outer movements.

The trio was first performed at the home of Countess Marie von Erdödy, another of Beethoven’s patrons, during the winter of 1808-1809. The private premiere was attended by a select group of Vienna's elite, who were both intrigued and unsettled by the work’s unconventional character. The first public performance of the trio further cemented its reputation, with audiences captivated by its originality and emotional depth.

The “Ghost” Trio unfolds in three movements: a bright and lively Allegro vivace e con brio, the aforementioned Largo assai ed espressivo, and a playful Presto finale. The piece demonstrates Beethoven’s mastery of contrast, with each movement exploring a different facet of the trio ensemble's expressive capabilities.

Together, these two trios illustrate Beethoven's journey from a young, ambitious composer eager to make his mark in Vienna, to a mature artist unafraid to push the boundaries of musical expression. The Opus 1 No. 3 Trio shows Beethoven challenging the expectations of his predecessors, while the Opus 70 No. 1 “Ghost” Trio reveals his unique voice, blending the classical tradition with the bold, innovative spirit that would come to define his legacy.

To learn more about the artists:

www.sarahelert.com
www.lewispatzner.com
www.elektraschmidt.com