Beethoven composed five works for the relatively unusual form of string trio, violin, viola, and cello. His first two works in this form, opus 3 and opus 8, are in the character of divertimentos, popular somewhat lightweight pieces.
Beethoven’s made his final venture into the string trio form in 1798 at the age of 28 with the three trios of opus 9 which brought this difficult genre to a high level. Upon completing the set, Beethoven began work on the six string quartets which were published as opus 18 in 1801.
These quartets are generally regarded as the best works of Beethoven’s first period. He never returned to the genre of string trio. Few composers have attempted works in the form since. Beethoven’s opus 9 trios, together with Mozart’s K. 563, are the only major works in this form.
Here are Daniel Sepec, Tabea Zimmermann, and Jean-Guihen Queyras to play the Beethoven three Trios Opus 9 for you:
