Haydn: Piano Trios Nos. 28-31

Featuring

Anthony Marwood
Richard Lester
Susan Tomes
The Florestan Trio
Joseph Haydn

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Composition History

The Trio in E flat minor Hob XV:31 consists of two movements composed in reverse order, with the second movement dated a year earlier than the first.

Composition History

Haydn wrote a set of three piano trios, published in London in 1797, specifically for Therese Jansen, a virtuoso pianist, including Hob XV:28 and 29 on this album.

Composer Biography

Haydn met Therese Jansen, a German pianist from Aachen, in London during the 1790s and considered her one of the capital's most important pianists.

Composition History

Haydn initially titled the second movement of Hob XV:31 'Sonata Jacob's Dream by Dr Haydn', referring to a biblical story, but later scratched it out.

Historical Context

In the late 18th century, a thriving market for 'accompanied sonatas' developed, intended for pianists to play at home, accompanied by friends or servants on violin and cello.

Performer Biography

The Florestan Trio, comprising Susan Tomes (piano), Anthony Marwood (violin), and Richard Lester (cello), was honored with the Royal Philharmonic Society's award for chamber music in 2000.

Composition History

The 'Jacob's Dream' movement was originally a practical joke by Haydn to deter a German violinist from his habit of playing too high on the instrument.