Unlike his teacher Haydn, Beethoven's first piano trios include four movements rather than three, a characteristic that would become symphonic.
Composer Biography
Beethoven studied counterpoint with Johann Georg Albrechtsberger and Italian word-setting with Court Composer Antonio Salieri, both of whom found him headstrong.
Critical Reception
Beethoven suspected Haydn's advice against publishing the C minor Trio (Op. 1 No. 3) was due to jealousy, though Haydn later explained he feared it wouldn't be understood by the public.
Performer Biography
The Stuttgart Piano Trio, founded in 1968, won the Mendelssohn Competition in Berlin and the International Radio Competition in Munich in 1969.
Composer Biography
Beethoven settled in Vienna in 1792 with the encouragement of his patron, the Archbishop of Cologne, who was the son of the Empress.
Composition History
Beethoven's three piano trios, Opus 1, were published in 1795 and dedicated to Prince Carl Lichnowsky, who provided the composer with support.
Notable Performances
The Opus 1 trios were first performed at Prince Lichnowsky's residence in the presence of Haydn, who praised them but advised against publishing the third trio.
