Played by Kenneth Skeaping (Violin)
Bernard Shore (Viola)
Edward J. Robinson (Violoncello)
Op. 9, No. 1, First and Second Movements

Beethoven composed four Trios for Strings, all early works, but all delightful and affording in every case abundant evidence of the rare promise which he displayed from the first in the domain of chamber music. Of these early Trios it has been said, indeed, that they showed the youthful Beethoven beginning where the mature Mozart had left off, and actually rivalling in this particular field the achievements of the older master from the first.

The Trio in G (Op. 9, No. 1) has always been the most popular of the set of three to which it belongs, though the one in C minor (No. 3) is even finer in some respects. It opens with a slow introduction (Adagio) leading to a lively first movement based on two main themes.

Of these the first, of considerable length, is very vigorous and animated, with quick runs and energetic arpeggio figures as its leading features. The second, not less attractive, but of a quieter character, is presented in the form of staccato chords, played very softly at first.

In happy contrast to the animation of the opening Allegro is the tranquillity of the slow movement (Adagio) based on a long, flowing theme of a beautifully expressive character.