Piano trio advice?

[sabinesabine]

Hey guys,

I'd like to ask you for some advice. For some time I've studied piano, but I've had a bit of a break (of a couple of years), due to various reasons. Recently I find myself studying more and more and I'd really love to dive in again. The thing I love to do most is play chamber music. This summer I like to study a piano trio, or quartet. The people I'm playing with say that I can choose a piece, or several pieces. But now I don't know where to start... My technique is definitely not what it used to be, but I'm really enthusiastic and I have time to study! I'm a huge fan of Brahms, Shostakovich, Ravel and Debussy. But I'd love to get to know new pieces/different composers as well. Does anyone have a good idea for me? I don't have that much experience in playing chamber music, so what would be a good repertoire for me to start again?

Thanks!

[ewalker1]

The first complete trio I did was Beethoven op 70 no 1 "ghost", that's a good place to start if you want a difficult yet clear piece. Beethoven's piano trios are masterpieces and really are worth playing.
I'd steer clear of the composers you mentioned, all of their trios are very sophisticated and require much more experience, and very good string players.

[chopinlover01]

Mozart wrote a bunch, all of which are worth checking out.
Beethoven's first three are also great ones, especially the E flat (his first published piece; Op. 1 #1!).
If you must go for something romantic, my thoughts are only on the Mendelssohn D minor trio. But that's a hell of a lot harder for all parties.

[visitor]

Foote op 5 is especially lovely. 3rd mvmnt in particular

[georgey]

Beethoven's first three are also great ones, especially the E flat (his first published piece; Op. 1 #1!).

These 3 Beethoven OP 1 trios are great and are a large step up from the piano Trios that Haydn wrote. I read where Haydn suggested to his pupil Beethoven that Beethoven not publish the 3rd trio because it was too difficult for people to understand.  But Beethoven knew it was his best of the 3.  My memory might be off on this.

I recommend Brahms Trio in B major OP 8 but revised in 1889.  It was completely changed in the revision.  I recommend this only because I love it.

[alkan2010]

Haydn Trios are a good starting point, being beautiful and not too long.

[marijn1999]

I agree with alkan2010. After Haydn you could step up to Mozart as they will prepare you more for the fingerwork in Beethoven's trio's. I'd stay away, the same as with piano concertos, from the romantic repertoire for now as they are usually much more difficult technically, yet not all of them are more difficult musically.

The first trio I ever completed and performed was Beethoven's Op. 97, called "Archduke" or something. Very lovely piece, especially the third movement (it will remind you of Mendelssohn I think, or even beter, Mendelssohn will remind you of this movement). But it is very difficult technically and musically for all three players.

So, I suggest starting with some late Haydn trio's (as the early ones are quite dull in my opinion), then Mozart (check out all of them, especially the K. 496 one in G major, it's a marvelous piece). Also check out Mozart's piano quartets, he wrote two: E-flat major and G minor. Those are also lovely masterworks. Then when your ready (and take your time here) step up to Beethoven. Start with the Op. 1 or Op. 11, Op. 1 No. 2 is very difficult technically and the 2nd movement is gorgeous. After that his later trios. He also rewrote his 2nd symphony for piano trio, maybe check it out. Last but not least, look at his Op. 44 Variations for piano trio. They are so much fun to play!

After all those pieces you should be ready for some romantic repertoire. Brahms (Op. 8, 87, 101 - there is one posthumous work but it is not sure if it's Brahms'), Schumann (Op. 63, 80 and 110), Ravel (A minor one). Mendelssohn (Op. 49 and 66). Also check out some lesser known romantic composers like George Onslow (wrote a lot of trios, a quintet and I even recall a sextet) and Hummel (also wrote quite a few trios, as well as a quintet)

I hope that helps!

BW,
Marijn

[malabdal]

I am not aware of the technical preparation you have, but for me I have never fell more in love with a piano trio more than I did with the F minor Op. 60 trio of Dvorák.

Here is a link you can check:

It is not often played, but it is so much worth it. The movements just keep getting better and better.
Good luck.