STRING TRIOS BY BEETHOVEN
Played by KENNETH SKEAPING (Violin)
BERNARD SHORE (Viola)
EDWARD J. ROBINSON (Violoncello)
Op. 9, No. 1, Third and Fourth Movements
Op. 9, No. 3, First Movement
A PLEASING Scherzo and a no less attractive
Finale make up the third and fourth movements of Beethoven's String Trio in G (Op. 9, No. I), of which the first two were played yesterday. The Scherzo is interesting as being one of the first of the many wonderful movements of this type which Beethoven wrote, and in its vigour and go it is thoroughly characteristic of his methods. It has the usual middle section, or Trio, of a smoother and more melodious character.
The Finale, a vivacious Presto, opens with a bustling first theme in tripping quavers. which is followed by another of a less distinctive type, after which comes the second main theme. This is of a stronger and more severe character than the first, in longer notes, mounting upwards on a sort of drone bass and ending in some striking modulations, or changes of key, which must have considerably puzzled the orthodox hearers of Beethoven's day. On these materials a splendidly effective Finale is built up.
The Trio in C Minor (Op. 9, No. 3), the first movement of which is also being played this evening, is generally regarded as the finest of these early trios of Beethoven, and as such, it will well repay attentive hearing. Its opening movement (Allegro con spirito) is distinguished alike by the wealth of its thematic material and by the vigour and originality with which this is treated.