Franz Xaver Scharwenka: Piano Trio No. 2 in a-minor op. 45

 

Theophil Franz Xaver Scharwenka (6 January 1850 – 8 December 1924)

was a German pianist,[1] composer and teacher of Bohemian-Polish descent. He was the brother of Ludwig Philipp Scharwenka (1847–1917), who was also a composer and teacher of music.

 

Contents

• 1Life and career
• 2Music
• 3Selected works

 

Piano Trio No. 2 in a-minor op. 45 (1878)

 

1. Allegro non troppo (0:00) 2. Adagio (11:29) 3. Molto allegro (21:36) 4. Allegro con fuco (26:26)

Rafaella Garlick-Grice, piano; Amalia Hall, violin & Catherine Kwak, cello

 

Details by Edition Silvertrust:

 

Xaver Scharwenka's Piano Trio No.2, like many another fine work, was lavishly praised upon its premiere, enjoyed some popularity for a number of years, and then inexplicably disappeared. This is a shame, because this trio has many original ideas as well as an abundance of attractive melodies. The Piano Trio No.2, composed in 1878, is a mature composition and can stand comparison with any trio from the same period. The big opening Allegro non troppo begins quite softly with a mysterious introduction which holds the kernel of the lovely, yearning main theme. The second theme is lighter and more fleet-footed while a third melody is quite lyrical. A lengthy, but extraordinarily fine Adagio begins haltingly with a sense of quiet bereavement. This then leads to a highly romantic duet between the violin and the cello which builds to a dramatic climax. The third movement, Allegro molto, is a spooky, nervous scherzo. The mood of the trio is lyrical and happy. The wild finale, Allegro con fuoco, bursts forth with great energy. Its broad, moving theme is exciting and exotic, the second theme, led by the cello, is lyrical but expertly intertwined with the first.