The Swiss Piano Trio's philosophy for this series is to present each CD as a diverse program, combining early and later works to allow direct comparison of Beethoven's different creative periods.
Composition History
Beethoven's Piano Trios, Op. 1, were among his first published works, establishing his personal signature and setting an agenda for his future compositions.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's 14 Variations in E-flat major, Op. 44, demonstrate a 'coolly calculated aspect of constructive exhaustion of musical ideas' by developing a simple broken triad theme.
Performer Biography
The Swiss Piano Trio has received numerous awards for their complete recordings of Piano Trios by Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Robert and Clara Schumann.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven frequently used the key of C minor to express agitated rebelliousness and a musical legacy of the Sturm und Drang movement, influenced by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.
Recording & Production
This album is the second installment in the Swiss Piano Trio's five-part series of Beethoven's complete Piano Trios, a project they began in January 2015.
Interpretation
The Swiss Piano Trio consulted Carl Czerny's (Beethoven's pupil and friend) 'Reminiscences of Beethoven' for interpretive insights, noting his surprising tempo markings.
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