Arden - Chamber Music 3

By 1882, Foote was ready to tackle an extended essay in the chamber music medium. The result was the Trio in C Minor for Piano, Violin and Cello, Op 5. Using similar works by Mendelssohn and Schumann as his point of departure, Foote determined to make his Piano Trio the work that would establish his artistic reputation. Composed swiftly and premiered on 8th April, 1882, the composer withdrew the piece for further revision. While on vacation in France in 1883, the trio was overhauled, simplifying many of the piano textures and was published in it's final version in 1884. The opening Allegro con brio, in an orthodox sonata form, features a melancholy melody on the violin, later taken up by the cello, the piano providing a song-like accompaniment. A hymn-like second theme is stated confidently in the piano. The development section follows and immediately begins to combine to the two primary themes in numerous ways, often simultaneously. The recapitulation follows, with an expanded version of the opening theme, building in expressive power. The second theme returns, providing a noble contrast and the movement ends with an emphatic statement of the opening melody. The second movement displays a Mendelssohnian influence, with scurrying string writing over a wide-ranging piano part. The trio (Un poco meno allegro) returns to the hymn-like mood of the second theme of the first movement. A return to the opening material, slightly expanded, leads to the coda, with the violin and cello playing pizzicato in a breathless passage. The Adagio molto is undoubtedly the trio's lyrical core. A lilting melody begins in the cello, joined by the violin while the piano provides gentle figurations. Suddenly, the music shifts in F minor, and the music turns dramatic. The piano introduces a new theme that is combined with the lyrical melody from the first section to provide the movement's climax. A brief return to the opening material closes this lovely movement. The last movement opens with an oddly angular melody on the cello, accompanied by a restless pattern in the piano. The violin joins in, propelling the tune through several modulations and finally is joined by the piano, building excitement with a dotted rhythm. A broad, hymn-like contrasting theme is introduced, somewhat reminiscent of the melody to "O God our help in ages past." A return to the opening material and a brief fugato, lead to an extended "amen" cadence as if to emphasize the religious sentiment touched on in the previous movements.