Romanticism in D Minor -6 August - Mendelssohn piano trio no. 1

Our Thursday Heritage Concerts for 2020 began on 6 August where Trio Eclectica presented a vivacious and contrasting programme of two oft-cited piano trios both in D minor, which represent the finest examples of the genre. The first by the Romantic German master himself, Mendelssohn, with his acclaimed Piano Trio No. 1 (1839) and the second by the influential Russian composer, Arensky, with his lyrical Piano Trio No. 1 (1894). Molto Allegro agitato Andante con molto tranquillo Scherzo. Leggiero e vivace Finale. Allegro assai appassionato Composed in 1839 at age 30, this piece is universally recognised as one of Mendelssohn’s greatest works. Written in the backdrop of Romantic angst, Mendelssohn employs a Schumannesque style and broad melodies to enrapture the audience. The first movement dives straight in with a dark cello melody followed by the violin’s counter-melody. All throughout, the piano’s syncopation and flying arpeggios creates the atmosphere of agitation. The second movement then expresses a peaceful and beautiful theme taken from one of Mendelssohn’s own Songs Without Words. The spirited scherzo ricochets the melody between the musicians whilst also reminiscing the thematic material from the first movement. The finale mirrors the first movement with its lyrical contrast between the dark and cheerful moods underpinned by the busy and complex piano part with whirling arpeggios and chromatic octaves. The trio finishes with a modulation to the dominant major culminating in a charming and definitive ending.