Description
Trio in Eb Major Op.495. Samples from 1st Movt, 2nd Movt and 3rd Movt.
Level: Advanced
Trio in E♭ Major, Op. 495
for Clarinet in B♭, Cello, and Piano
Composed 2012; edited and completed 2015
Re-edited and published 2026
This trio is one of six works written between 2009 and 2013 for the combination of clarinet, viola or cello, and piano. The earliest sketches for this work date from September 2011, when it was originally conceived for clarinet, horn in F, and piano. By September 2012, the horn had been replaced by the cello and the work completely re-scored.
Various versions of the trio evolved alongside several related works composed and revised during the same period, including Op. 441 in A minor, Op. 439 (The Vivace Trio), and Op. 442 in E minor.
The Movements
I. Andantino spiritoso
The work opens with a single sustained note, representing early morning light filtering through trees and into a room as another day—full of promise, challenge, and learning—begins. Against this “morning light,” held by the clarinet, the cello introduces the “good morning” theme, the movement’s first theme.
The theme is then passed to the clarinet, which restates and gently extends it before allowing the piano to engage more freely with the material. A subsequent section features the cello presenting the main theme broadly and in full, while the clarinet and piano bubble with rapidly moving triplet figures. This gives way to a more solemn, slower passage that offers a brief moment of calm and reflection.
From this reflective space emerges the second main theme, introduced by the clarinet. The piano develops this material with respectful restraint, supported by the clarinet and cello. A reprise restores the original tempo and the movement’s playful, optimistic character, gradually leading to its gentle conclusion.
II. Adagio con espressione
Following a short piano introduction, the clarinet presents the principal theme of the movement, imbued with longing, regret, and introspection. The cello joins, reinforcing and supporting the clarinet’s melody before rising above it to lift the theme to expressive and passionate heights.
As the movement unfolds, the tempo and dynamic gradually subside, settling into a calm and peaceful hush. Final echoes of earlier material lead the music to its quiet resting place and conclusion.
III. Allegro moderato con espressione
The final movement is rich in Eastern mystery and romanticism, always searching for something deeper than mere charm or surface beauty. Moments of serene stillness alternate with passages of passionate, yearning intensity—bursts of adventure and drama that never linger too long before yielding once more to calm.
In the closing section, the “good morning” theme from the first movement returns, transformed into a slower, more solemn guise—a “goodnight” theme—as the work comes to rest on its final tonic chord of E♭ major.
This product comes with clarinet in B♭, Cello and piano parts as well as a mp3 performance & backing tracks
Duration: circa 18 mins
