Karl Nawratil (1836), the composer of the Trio in E♭, op. 9, for piano, violin, and ’cello, has for a long time enjoyed an excellent reputation as piano-teacher in Vienna. Among his pupils have been Madame Essipoff, Edward Schütt, and others who have distinguished themselves. He has written in various styles, and in chamber music form as well as this Trio, a String Quartett, two Piano Quartetts, and another Piano Trio.
The Trio in E♭ is an interesting composition, and quite grateful music to play. The last movement, with its fugal episode, may be specially mentioned. The work is dedicated to Brahms.
Trio: Goetz
Hermann Goetz (1840-76) is known at any rate by two works which proclaim him to have been a highly gifted artist, and it is reasonable to think that but for his early death he would have come to occupy a very distinguished place among contemporary composers. The works referred to are an opera, The Taming of the Shrew, and the F major Orchestral Symphony. There is also a fine setting, for soprano solo, chorus, and orchestra, of the psalm “By the Waters of Babylon,” and another of Schiller’s Nänie. He was also engaged at the time of his death on a second opera, Francesca da Rimini, the sketch for which was completed by his friend Frank, and performed at Mannheim in 1877.
The Trio in G minor, op. 1, for piano, violin, and ’cello, is a composition of dignified character, and full of true poetic feeling. This composer unquestionably had something to say, and he knew how to say it. His other chamber music works are a Piano Quintett in C minor, a Piano Quartett in E, and a Piano Sonata for four hands.
Trio: Schmidt
Oscar Schmidt, an unknown variant of the familiar name, has written a Trio in G minor, op. 24, for piano, violin, and ’cello, which may be recommended as a pleasant and sincere, although not great work. It is composed in classical form, with the usual four movements. The adagio opens with a charming and effective theme for the ’cello, and the whole trio is well laid out and playable for all the instruments.
Other Trios
Other piano, violin, and ’cello trios which may be mentioned are:—
Trio in F, op. 18, by Saint-Saëns (1835), which is a well-written work, showing its composer’s remarkable versatility.