Ludwig van Beethoven, 1770-1827

String Trio in c minor, Op. 9, No. 3, 1797

With a great artist, it is fascinating to explore the earliest works, searching for the first traces of individuality and hints of what would follow. In 1798, Beethoven began working on his first string quartets, which he completed in 1800, the same year he composed his first symphony. From his “early period”, these are, nonetheless, well known within the standard repertory. Even earlier than the quartets, one discovers another, lesser known string chamber work of striking originality: the String Trio Op. 9, No. 3 in C minor of 1797. Beethoven wrote all five of his string trios for violin, viola and cello before 1798. « More »