Soffi Schonning (Soprano)
The Hetty Bolton Trio

The two Pianoforte Trios are Schubert at his very best, the Schubert of the big C Major and the 'Unfinished' Symphony. The first main theme of the first movement of number two is emphatically set forth at the very outset by all the instruments in unison; the second, when it appears, in a soft whisper at first, is in striking contrast to it, and the whole long movement is built up in the most interesting way on these two.
The slow movement is among the most beautiful things in the whole domain of chamber music. Beginning with a steady march rhythm, it has a theme of profound sadness, which merges gradually into a mood of strength and vigour to return at the end to a slower version of the opening.
The Scherzo has a Canon which the pianoforte begins and the violin and violoncello together imitate at the distance of one bar, with a vigorous Trio in the middle as contrast.
The last movement, long and lovingly worked out, begins with a sprightly theme which soon becomes bold and energetic, making way afterwards for a second main theme which runs about lightly on repeated notes. Towards the end the sad march theme of the slow movement is heard again in a new rhythm, but now it leads to a major close with a wonderful sense of strength and exaltation.