Louise Farrenc - Trio for flute, cello and piano Op. 45 (1856)

Louise Farrenc (31 May 1804 – 15 September 1875) was a French composer, virtuoso pianist and teacher. Born Jeanne-Louise Dumont in Paris, she was the daughter of Jacques-Edme Dumont, a successful sculptor, and sister to Auguste Dumont. Please support my channel: Trio in E minor, Op. 45 (1854-56) Dedication: Mr. Louis Dorus 1. Allegro deciso (0:00) 2. Andante (7:04) 3. Scherzo (12:10) 4. Finale (17:12) Midsummer’s Music Details by Edition Silvertrust Trio in e minor, Op. 45 for Flute, Cello and Piano, composed during 1861-2, is her last chamber work. It was a combination for which, at the time, there were few precedents. A short fanfare, Allegro deciso, leads to the attractive and dramatic main movement, Piu moderato ed espressivo. The main subject of the second movement, Andante, is a sweet vocal melody entrusted to the flute. Farrenc includes a dramatic and turbulent middle section (where our sound-bite begins), a storm interlude. A brilliantly conceived, restless Scherzo vivace comes next. The flute and piano are given running passages, while the cello plays long, sustained notes that create an important atmospheric function. In the trio section, the cello introduces a fine melody high in its tenor register. The superb finale, Presto, begins with a lively theme which picks up speed as it goes along. Later, Farrenc introduces a wonderful second theme which is full of pathos. Discussing , the editor of The Chamber Music Journal wrote: “ I would say that this trio, if not a masterwork, is at the very least absolutely first rate all the way through. It surely belongs in the concert hall and will also be enjoyed by amateurs. As an aside, satisfying as the version with flute is, I think the substitution of the violin makes the work even more effective.“