Note: His trio Le Londres was originally conceived as a sonata for two violins for his pupil Queen Elisabeth of Belgium. As it was technically too demanding, Ysaÿe rearranged it for two violins and viola. Originally in 3 movements, ultimately reduced to one.
Born: March 2, 1865, VerviersDied: 1918, Nice (age 52 or 53)
glossary
chamber music, Kammermusik [G], musique de chambre [F], musica da camera [I], musica cameralis [L]—"Classical Music" for a small ensemble, generally 8 or fewer players with a canonical emphasis on 3-6 players. explore
string trio, Streichtrio [G], Trio d'archi [I], Trio de cordes [F], Trío de cuerdas [S]
—a work for three stringed instruments, most commonly violin, viola and cello. A more rarefied form than the string quartet perhaps because the texture is sparse (each instrument highly exposed) and the means more difficult for natural harmonic richness. But these become challenges and assets in the great trios. Trios almost always emphasize countrapuntal writing with each of the three players in strong relief.