Charles Auguste de Beriot (1802-1870) was born in the Belgian city of Leuven. At the age of 8, he moved to Paris. He studied the violin and was influenced by such luminaries as Viotti, Baillot, and Paganini. He became a concert violinist and toured with great success throughout Europe. Later, he served as a professor of violin at the Brussels Conservatory and is considered the founder of the so-called Franco-Belgian school of violin playing. He wrote a great deal of music, most of it for the violin, and his influence as a teacher remains important to this day. He did not, however, ignore chamber music, and has four piano trios and a piano quartet to his credit.
Piano Trio in c minor, sometimes referred to as No.3, dates from 1850. It was dedicated to Guilhelmine (nee Sabatier) Amelot, the wife of the famous Belgian instrument collector, Louis Eugene Amalot. In this trio, de Beriot attempted to create a more dramatic and stormy style compared to his earlier trios. Nonetheless, the work retains a characteristically Romantic era charm. Its dark and turbulent passages are often resolved and become pleasant, lyrical, and familiar harmonies. In three movements, the trio begins with a passionate and robust Moderato. The serious and dramatic mood created by the c minor key eventually gives way to more upbeat and elegant melodies. The second movement, a songlike Adagio, is reflective and quite lyrical. Here, the strings are given the lead of presenting the lovely music. The finale, an energetic and spirited Vivace, is filled with dance-like episodes, which at times resemble polka rhythms.
Well-written for all three voices, this is an appealing work that should be of interest to both professionals and amateurs. To the best of our knowledge, there has never been a new edition or a reprint. Our reprint is, though old, is quite readable, and the piano part is a piano score with the string parts above. An excellent choice for a concert.
