The piano trio Opus 1, number 1 is a lovely, melodic composition for piano, violin and cello. It was the first of a group of three works.
Beethoven opens with a vigorous, well-defined sonata form of exposition, development, and recapitulation, and further development in the sort of expansive coda that would become a hallmark of the composer.
The gracious lyricism of the slow movement would have been expected, though not the violin’s and cello’s share of it nor the extra scope of the rondo form – three appearances of the main theme separated by contrasting episodes.
The opening motif of the Scherzo presages the rambunctious movement’s flirtations with the dark side.
The Finale is all leaping energy and high spirits.
Here is the music for your enjoyment:
