Joseph Haydn, 1732-1809

(Piano) Trio in C major, Hob. XV:27, 1797

The earliest history of the piano trio chiefly involves the composers C. P. E. and, J. C. Bach, Johann Schobert, and Haydn. This period of music saw the evolution from the Baroque and Rococo periods into the Classical as well as the transition from the harpsichord and clavichord to the recently devised pianoforte. It was also around this time that the cello slowly began its evolution into a legitimate solo instrument. Most compositions for keyboard, violin and cello during this phase were essentially sonatas for keyboard with accompaniment where the accompaniment was often considered optional and the actual choice of additional instruments variable. « more »