Beethoven: Piano Trios in C Minor and B-Flat Major, "Archduke"
7/1/2004, 8 Tracks, 1:12:02
Featuring
Freddy Kempf
Pierre Bensaid
Alexander Chaushian
Kempf Trio
Ludwig van Beethoven
Did you know?
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Compositional Technique
Beethoven's Op. 1 trios innovated by increasing the number of movements from three to four with the addition of a scherzo or minuet.
Composer Biography
Beethoven himself considered the Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1 No. 3, his most successful work up to that point.
Critical Reception
After the premiere of the Op. 1 trios, Beethoven's teacher Haydn advised against publishing the third trio, doubting it would be quickly understood or favorably received by the public.
Performer Biography
The Kempf Trio, featuring pianist Freddy Kempf, violinist Pierre Bensaid, and cellist Alexander Chaushian, is considered one of Europe's most exciting ensembles, with all members in their twenties.
Composition History
Beethoven's three piano trios, Op. 1, elevated the piano trio genre from salon music to rival the string quartet, which was considered the most demanding form of chamber music.
Composition History
The Piano Trio in B flat major, Op. 97, is nicknamed 'Archduke' because it was dedicated to Archduke Rudolph of Austria, who was one of Beethoven's piano and composition pupils.
Compositional Technique
In his Op. 1 trios, Beethoven gave the cello an independent part, moving it beyond its previous role as a bowed keyboard bass line.
