Presents
Hans Huber
Piano Trio No.2 in E Major, Op.65
Hans Huber’s Piano Trio No.2 in E Major dates from 1883. It is composed on a large scale. The opening movement, Andante, begins with two introductory chords. Almost immediately, the tempo picks up and it is really no longer an Andante. The main theme is fluid, quite dramatic and romantic. The second subject is closely related. Constant tempi changes create a heightened sense of interest. The clever and highly original second movement, Allegrissimo, takes the place of a scherzo. The strings are muted and the piano which leads the way is kept soft. The music is mysterious, fairylike with tinges of French influence. A slow movement, Langsam und sehr gesangvoll, make it clear that we are to hear lyrical music. It begins with a delicate piano introduction. Then the violin enters with a soft song. The whole time, the cello rests but then enters at the beginning of the second section while the violin rests. The effect is of a miniature violin sonata followed by a miniature cello sonata. The finale, Allegro con fuoco, has a genial, upbeat melody for its main theme. The music is not so much fiery as jovial and inviting.
Hans Huber (1852-1921) was born in the Swiss town of Eppenberg. Between 1870-74, he studied at the Leipzig Conservatory with Carl Reinecke and Ernst Richter. After graduating he held a number of positions before being appointed a professor at the Basel Conservatory, where he served as director between 1889-1917. Huber’s music was firmly rooted in the Romantic movement inspired at first by Schumann and Brahms and then later by Liszt and Richard Strauss. He was widely considered Switzerland’s leading composer during the last quarter of the 19th and first decade of the 20th century. He composed in virtually every genre and many of his works were for long years part of various repertoires and the only works by a Swiss composer that were regularly performed outside of Switzerland.
This is a first rate work, sure to please audiences by trios who present it and it is not beyond the ability of amateur players. Long out of print, we are pleased to make it available once again and warmly recommend it.
Parts: $29.95
