Ludwig Thuille (1861-1907) was born in the then-Austrian town of Bozen, located in the South Tirol (now in Italy and called Bolzano.) His remarkable musical talent was recognized at an early age. After a stint at the Innsbruck School of Music, Thuille studied with Josef Rheinberger at the Bavarian Royal Conservatory in Munich. Thuille befriended Richard Strauss when he was ten, and they remained friends for the rest of Thuille's life. Strauss' influence on Thuille's music was certainly as great as that of Rheinberger. The last part of his life, Thuille spent as a music professor and composer, achieving considerable fame for his operas. He was the founder of the so-called New Munich School of composition. Among his many students was Ernest Bloch. Thuille wrote in most genres and often turned to chamber music.
The Trio for Violin, Viola and Piano was composed in 1885, as this is the date one finds on the manuscript in the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek (the Bavarian State Library) in Munich. It is in four movements and shows the influence of his teacher Rheinberger. The engaging opening Allegro moderato has a heroic, yearning quality and is full of excellent writing. Next comes a dark but also highly romantic Andante Maestoso in which the viola is given the main subject in its entirety before the others join in. The third movement, Moderato cantabile, is an updated version of the German dance alla Tedesca. The finale, Allegro vivace, is upbeat, bustling and full of forward drive.
There are so few works for this combination that it is hard to understand why Thuille did not try to get this work published. The part writing is beyond reproach. Our edition is based on the aforementioned composer's manuscript. This trio must be placed in the very front rank of works for this ensemble. It belongs in concert and will also please experienced amateur players.
