In 1882, Johannes Brahms turned 49, and he turned to the trio for piano, violin and cello for the first time in 28 years. His first early trio ran almost an hour, but this work of his maturity, the Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano in C, Op. 87, comes in at a svelte 28 minutes. It’s one of his great achievements and will wrap up Sunday’s concert. It’s a happy piece.
The first movement, an allegro in sonata format starts with everyone playing in unison, and the second subject in G leads into a dark development section that contrasts with the sunny exposition. He ends it majestically.
The second movement in A minor, marked andante con moto, is a set of variations on a theme with a gypsy flavor. The piano line in the first variation is bleak.
The scherzo in C minor, marked presto, is tense but humorous. It’s the middle portion of the scherzo where magic happens. Brahms writes a C Major waltz, and oh, what a waltz! Clara Schumann disapproved of Jo putting a popular form in a serious piece, but this is one case where her judgment failed her. It’s a miracle, and you don’t want it to end! Like a pro, he leaves you begging for more as the C minor opening returns da capo.
The finale, in sonata format but sounding a lot like a rondo, is marked allegro giocoso, and it’s a carnival set to music. Brahms puts aside modes like major and minor to flirt with archaic modes like Lydian and Phrygian, but he does it so well you don’t sense the harmonies are a bit off.
This video is from Sonoma State University in California last summer. These students put on a professional quality performance.