Ries, F :: Trios Es-dur [Trio in Eb Major] op. 63

Ferdinand Ries presents the Trio in Eb Major for flute, cello, and piano.

If it were not for Beethoven, perhaps Ferdinand Ries would by now be totally forgotten. Ries was Beethoven's pupil in Vienna from 1801 to 1805, and throughout his life he championed his revered teacher both as a player and as a conductor, thereby becoming just as important in musical history as he did as a composer. Nevertheless he left at the time of his death a not inconsiderable number of compositions. We find among his chamber music some works including the flute, and these seem to be unjustly neglected.

Among them is surely the Piano Trio which, in its treatment of the instruments, follows along the lines of the good classical tradition. The three movements within, not overly long, are charm and elegance personified; a delightfully sparkling Allegro brightens the first half, and a graceful interior Andantino adds a touch of refreshment before the final gamboling Rondo.

For late intermediate players.