Early on, it became known that Debussy was writing a piano trio, but there is no positive evidence when it was first performed then. In fact, the trio may not have ever been performed in Debussy’s lifetime. The work was not published until 1986 after the manuscript was found in 1982. Considerable editorial work was needed to piece it back together from various sources. The trio is in 4 movements:
Andantino con moto allegro – Debussy was still a student when he composed the trio and had very little training in composition, so while this movement can be thought of as in sonata form, it is a very loose and personal style of sonata form. It consists of attractive themes that are in the light weight salon style of the time. The beginning themes return towards the end in a kind of recapitulation, and the movement ends quietly.
Scherzo: Moderato con allegro – This movement shows more of what Debussy’s style would become when he was a mature composer. The charm of the music is undeniable. The scherzo begins with a short introduction of pizzicato strings that alternate with the piano. The theme itself begins with block chords in the piano. The graceful middle section is marked un poco piu lento. The scherzo repeats and the movement ends quietly.
Andante espressivo – The piano sets the stage for the graceful theme that is first played by the cello and then by the violin. A slightly more turbulent middle section that includes some modulations into distant keys leads back to a repeat of the initial theme.
Finale: Appassionato – The final movement shows Debussy’s inexperience in form, but the tunes are memorable throughout. His use of modulation may be a reflection of his knowledge of the music of Cesar Franck, a composer that showed considerable influence on young French composers at the time. Debussy was to go on to develop his own unique style of composition, but this piano trio is a pleasant listening experience despite his inexperience at the time.
Here is the 4th movement from Debussy’s Piano trio:
