Beethoven composed seven official piano trios plus other non-published works, arrangements, and variations using the piano trio instrumentation.
The first three piano trios were published as a set (Opus 1) and were premiered at a concert hosted by Prince Lichnowsky. Haydn was also in attendance. The Opus 1 trios were a great success with the audience and launched Beethoven's compositional career.
Piano Trio 4 (Opus 11) was originally composed for clarinet, cello, and piano. For commercial reasons, a version for the standard piano trio (violin, cello, piano) was also adapted.
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The two piano trios (Opus 70) were published in 1809 and were dedicated to Countess Marie von Erdody. The first of the pair is nicknamed "Ghost" because of the eerie sounding slow movement.
The seventh piano trio (Opus 97) of 1811 is the most famous and is nicknamed the "Archduke" Trio as it is dedicated to one of Beethoven's greatest patrons, Archduke Rudolf. The public performance of the trio took place in 1814 and, because of his declining hearing, was Beethoven's last performance as a pianist.
VIDEO WALKTHROUGHS
VIDEO WALKTHROUGHS
Piano Trio 1 (Op 1 No 1)
Piano Trio 2 (Op 1 No 2)
Piano Trio 4 (Op 11) "Gassenhauer"
Piano Trio 5 (Op 70 No 1) "Ghost"
Piano Trio 6 (Op 70 No 2)
