Parisian Piano Trios and the Romantics Who Inspired Them

Trio for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano Francis Poulenc
Piano Trio op. 38 Ludwig van Beethoven
Concert Fantasy on Rossini's "L’Italiana in Algieri" Eugene Jancourt/Charles Triebert

This dynamic program featuring Francis Poulenc’s Piano Trio is bound to create a beautiful evening. Written in 1926, this trio demonstrates Poulenc’s individuality within a french neoclassical style of colorful harmonies. He embraces the different tone colors of the oboe and bassoon, using them to create beautiful lyrical lines in the slow second movement, along with many fun character-filled musical ideas in the fast movements. Poulenc’s virtuosic talent as a pianist is reflected strongly in this trio by the beautiful but very challenging piano part. This trio is arguably the most famous piano/double reed trio ever written, and is a must-hear for any double reed enthusiast or anyone curious about the double reed/piano trio!

Concert fantasy on Rossini’s ‘L’Italiana in Algieri’ is a virtuosic work written in 1856 by bassoonist Eugene Jancourt and oboist Charles Triebert, two exceptionally talented Parisian musicians. This twelve minute work is packed with contrasting Rossini Arias, and is a perfect reflection of Jancourt and Triebert’s virtuosity as performers, love of Italian opera, and determination to convince future composers that double reed instruments can contribute to beautiful virtuosic chamber music.

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Trio Op. 38 is the perfect compliment to these colorful Parisian works. This trio was written originally as a septet but arranged as a piano trio by Beethoven himself, resulting in a challenging but beautiful piano part. Beethoven’s wrote this trio at age 30 and it reflects his life well because the music is strong, balanced, and full of promise, but also has a darker undertone that can be heard at some point in almost every movement. The ten minute selection for this program features a graceful adagio, sprightly scherzo, and exciting finale including a piano cadenza!