Obscure Music Monday: Chaminade's Piano Trio No. 1

Cécile Louise Stéphanie Chaminade (Aug. 8, 1857 - April 13, 1944) was a French pianist and composer. Her first teacher was her mother, and she also took violin and compositions; sadly her father disapproved.Despite her father's disapproval, Chaminade was composing at a young age, and at eight years old she played some of her music for George Bizet, who was very impressed. Her first concert happened ten years later, and most of her compositions, which were mainly for piano, were published. She toured all around France, and Isidor Phillipp, head of the piano department at the Paris Conservatory, was a strong proponent of her works. Chaminade was also very popular in America; her work was often found in the music collections of song and piano music enthusiasts.

Her Piano Trio No. 1 for violin, cello, and piano, was written around 1881, and is a satisfying piece in four movements. The opening Allegro is flowing and smooth with a very organized feel about it. The Andante starts ever so gravely, but there is an infused sweetness in the movement that lightens the mood. The Presto is fun and bright, with some sparkling sixteenth note lines in the piano. The lyrical string lines are a wonderful contrast to that, and a testament to Chaminade's writing skills, as the parts fit so well together. The final movement, Allegro Molto, is constantly on the move, pushing forward in each part. All three musicians are busy but none overpower each other, but instead are balanced, creating a wholly satisfying listening experience.

Here are some recordings of this lovely work for you to enjoy!

Trio Parnassus
Tzigane Piano Trio
The Rembrandt Trio