STRING TRIOS BY BEETHOVEN
Played by KENNETH SKEAPING (Violin)
BERNARD SHORE (Viola)
EDWARD J. ROBINSON (Violoncello)
Op. 9, No. 2, Third and Fourth Movements Op. 8, First and Third Movements
THE Serenade was a popular form of composition towards the end of the 18th century. More elastic and comprehensive even than the Suite, it especially met the requirements of a time when small private orchestras abounded and tastes inclined to short pleasing movements. The Serenade could be written for any instruments, and in any number and variety of movements, although it was customary to include always a March and a Minuet. Belonging to the same class of composition are the Divertimento and the Cassation.
Beethoven wrote two Serenades-the String
Trio, Op. 8, of which the first and third movements are now to be played, and another (Op. 25) for flute, violins and violas. Although the former must have been one of Beethoven's very earliest compositions, the most accomplished master might have been proud to have written such lovely music as is contained in its several sections. The movements to be played this evening are the opening March and the charming Minuet, neither of which will present any difficulties to the hearer.