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January 2024--March 2024

Adolphe Blanc's String Trios

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Adolphe Blanc (1828-1885) was born in the French town of Manosque. His musical talent was recognized early and he entered the Paris Conservatory at age 13.After graduating, he primarily devoted himself to composing and most of his works were for chamber ensembles. During his lifetime, these works were much appreciated by professionals and amateurs alike and in 1862 he won the prestigious Chartier Chamber Music Prize. Besides the fact that his works are pleasing and deserving of performance, Blanc's historical importance cannot be underestimated. He was one of the very few in France trying to interest the public, then with only ears for opera, in chamber music. He wrote 3 string trios,

String Trio No.1 in G Major, Op.25 dates from 1850’s. It is in four movements and begins with an Allegro with a stately opening theme which harks back to the classical era. The writing is fluent and the melody flows easily. Next comes a Scherzo with trio. The scherzo is quite interesting with its off beat rhythm and use of appoggiaturas. The trio section is a lovely serenade with a strumming pizzicato accompaniment. The third movement, marked Fantasia, starts with a viola solo in which the first half of the theme, a folk melody, is stated. It is finished by the violin. The entire second phrase is sung by the cello. It is a very loose set of variations, though not so marked. The cello opens the finale, allegro moderato, with a theme which is subsequently dominated by a triplet figure which eventually plays an important role in the exciting conclusion to the trio. This is a worthwhile addition to the repertoire for trio ensembles. An effective choice for a concert program and fun to play at home.

String Trio No. 2 in A Major, Op. 41, which dates from 1860, is perhaps the best of the three. It opens with a charming Allegro moderato. The second movement, Allegro vivace scherzo, makes a stronger impression with its unusual rhythm and lyrical trio section. Better yet is the slow movement, Adagio religioso, with its noble themes and somber atmosphere. Best of all is the finale, Rondeau espagnol. It may well be that Bizet borrowed the themes from this movement for his opera Carmen, written some 15 years later. The rhythms and even the creation of a guitar sound through the clever use of pizzicato are superbly done. This work could be performed in concert.

String Trio No.3 in f minor, Op.48 was composed around 1848 but was not published until nearly 20 years later. So it may have been composed before No.2 but given a higher opus number because it was published after it. It opens a graceful Allegro moderato and is followed by a stately minuet with contrasting trio. The third movement is based on a simple but lovely melody. The finale, Allegro vivo, is full of excitement and makes a fitting conclusion to the trio. Another good work that could make an effective choice for a concert program and which can be recommended to home music makers.

You can hear soundbites from each movement on our website by clicking on the boldface links above. The parts are available from Edition Silvertrust.

String Qts Dedicated to Haydn-Part 1---March 2012

String Qts Dedicated to Haydn-Part 2---April 2012

3 New Beethoven Quartets?---May 2012

Hermann Berens String Trios---June 2012

2nd Movt Bruckner Str Qnt too hard---July 2012

Arriaga The Spanish Mozart---August 2012

Johan Wikmanson's String Quartets---Sept 2012

Dubois' Piano Trios---October 2012

Trios for Clarinet, Cello & Piano---Nov / Dec 2012

Bargiel Piano Trios---January / February 2013

John Antes String Trios---March / April 2013