The piano trios of Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) are among the most celebrated works in the piano repertoire. They are also typically dominated by the piano, with violin and cello playing subordinate roles.
But the Piano Trio in A major, Hob. XV:9, which Haydn wrote in 1785, marked a new development. The cello, rather than simply reinforcing the piano’s bass line, emerged as an independent voice — a baritone counterpoint to the violin’s soprano.
At 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Washington University in St. Louis’ Eliot Trio will perform Haydn’s Piano Trio in A major as part of its annual concert in Holmes Lounge.
Eliot Trio
Named for Washington University founder William Greenleaf Eliot, the Eliot Trio consists of Seth Carlin, professor of music in Arts & Sciences and director of the piano program; violinist David Halen, concertmaster for the St. Louis Symphony; and cellist Bjorn Ranheim, also with the St. Louis Symphony.
Following Haydn’s trio, the program will continue with Trio no. 1 in F major, opus 18 (1863) by Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921). A relatively early work, written when the composer was 28, the trio is said to have been inspired by a trip to the French Pyrenees — an influence that echoes in the sprightly opening theme and droning, hurdy-gurdy-like strings.
The program will conclude with Trio no. 1 in D minor, opus 32 (1894) by Anton Arensky (1861-1906). A pupil of Rimsky-Korsakov and teacher to Rachmaninoff, Arnesky was a popular concert pianist who died of tuberculosis just before his 45th birthday. Like Haydn’s Trio in A major, Arensky’s trio is notable for its prominent cello; indeed, the piece was dedicated to the late cellist Karl Davïdov, who directed the St. Petersburg Conservatory when Arensky was a student.
Tickets
Tickets are $30, or $25 for seniors and Washington University faculty and staff, and $5 for students. Tickets are available through the Edison Theater Box Office, 314-935-6543, or at edison.wustl.edu.
Holmes Lounge is located in Ridgley Hall, on the far side of Brookings Quadrangle, near the intersection of Hoyt and Brookings drives.
For more information, call 314-935-5566 or email daniels@wustl.edu.
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