October 2012

The Piano Trios of Théodore Dubois

Almost an exact contemporary of Saint-Saëns, the composer Théodore Dubois (1837-1924) remains virtually unknown, which is surprising given the very high quality of his music. Some would say it was the equal of Saint-Saëns. Dubois was born in the French town of Rosnay. After an impressive career at the Paris Conservatory, where he studied with Ambroise Thomas, he won the coveted Prix de Rome. Among the many important positions he held during a long career was that of director of the Madeleine, where he succeeded Saint-Saëns. Later, he was appointed Director of the Paris Conservatory. Among his many students were Paul Dukas and Florent Schmitt. Dubois wrote a considerable amount of music in nearly every genre. Like Saint Saëns, he eschewed impressionism, and continued on in the French Romantic tradition which he and Saint Saëns had helped to pioneer. His style is characterized by logic, clarity, fine melody, drama and a refined sense of taste. His music is finely crafted and clearly shows that he was a gifted melodist. His two piano trios serve as a fine exemplar as the excellence of his compositions.

Piano Trio No.1 in c minor (no opus number) dates from 1904, at which time he was 67. This witty, spontaneous and energetic music very much sounds like the work of a young man, however, the sophistication and polish are clearly the product of much learning and experience. The opening movement, Modéré mais avec un sentiment agitě, is by turns restless, then warmer and more optimistic. The opening melody to the slow movement, Assez lent, très expressif, is a highly romantic and beautiful love song. The original and witty scherzo, Vif et très léger, is full of gaity and elegance. The finale, Très large et très soutenu--Vif et bien rhythmè, très articulé, très chaleureux, begins with a long, slow introduction which builds suspense, then a lively and energetic section, which begins with a magnificent fugue, takes flight. This trio is a first rate work by any standard and a marvelous example of late French romanticism.

Piano Trio No.2 in e minor was composed, and premiered to critical acclaim in 1911. The broad and expansive opening theme to the first movement, Allegretto con moto, first heard in the cello, sets the tone and pace for the entire work. The second movement, also Allegretto, is lighter, less romantic, and more airy than the first. Here, Dubois creates an interesting dialogue between the piano and the strings. This is followed by an Adagio of a serious nature. Perhaps the emotional high point of the trio, the music is characterized by very fine harmony and contrapuntal writing. The finale, Allegro, is a witty synthesis of the many motifs from the earlier movements. Gentler and somewhat less dramatic than the First Trio, this, nevertheless, is a very fine work.

The sheet music to both piano trios is available from Edition Silvertrust. You can hear generous soundbites from each by clicking here and following the links.