"Julius Röngen, for whom we have much fine chamber music to thank, has given us a string trio, his Op.76 composed in 1924. The ideas in the first movement, Vivace e giocoso, are cleverly presented. The main theme though not a lyrical, warm melody, sounds good and the plays without any difficulties. The second movement, Un poco Andante, has a noble, aristocratic melody, on the austere side. The charming third movement, Allegretto e scherzando, is in the form of an old-fashioned Bouree, based on an old Dutch folk song. The very attractive finale is both fresh and inventive. It begins with a Bachian Passepied. There are a series of variations characterized by different tempi, including a heavy fugue, and varying moods. Amateurs will certainly find this an enjoyable work."
—Wilhelm Altmann writing in his Handbook for Chamber Music Players.
Julius Röntgen (1855-1932) was born in the German city of Leipzig. His father was a violinist and his mother a pianist. He showed musical talent at an early age and was taken to the famed pianist and composer, Carl Reinecke, the director of the Gewandhaus orchestra. Subsequently he studied piano in Munich with Franz Lachner, one of Schubert's closest friends. After a brief stint as a concert pianist, Röntgen moved to Amsterdam and taught piano there, helping to found the Amsterdam Conservatory and the subsequently world famous Concertgebouw Orchestra. He composed throughout his life and especially during his last 10 years after he retired. Though he wrote in most genres, chamber music was his most important area.
