Piano Trio No. 39 (Haydn)

Haydn by Thomas Hardy (1791)[1]

Joseph Haydn's Piano Trio No. 39 in G major, Hob. XV/25 was written in 1795, during the final few weeks of Haydn's second trip to London, and one of a set of three (H. XV:24–26) dedicated to Rebecca Schroeter.[2] It is perhaps his best-known piano trio and sometimes nicknamed the "Gypsy" or "Gypsy Rondo" trio because of its Rondo finale in 'Hungarian' style.[3]

The trio is in three movements:

  1. Andante
  2. Poco adagio, cantabile
  3. Rondo all'Ongarese: Presto

Rosemary Hughes describes the first movement as "a curious but charming blend of double-variation and rondo, for the two minor sections are extremely free in their connection either with the major main theme or with each other.[4] The alternation of variations in major and minor keys is characteristic of Haydn.[5]

The second movement, which continues the gentle mood, is noted for the violin melody in the central section. This was a particular favourite of cellist Pablo Casals, who (ignoring the score) used to take over from the violinist on the repeat.[5]

The final movement incorporates a number of Gypsy tunes, including the Hungarian "recruiting dance" genre known as Verbunkos, and gypsy effects (such as strumming accompaniments and left-hand pizzicato).[6]

The work was published in October 1795 by the English firm of Longman and Broderip as part of a set of three with the opus number (seldom used today) 73. The other two are No. 38 in D major (Hoboken XV:24) and No. 40 in F♯ minor, (Hoboken XV:26). All are dedicated to Haydn's friend, the widow Rebecca Schroeter.[7]

  1. ^ For date of portrait see Jones, David Wyn (2009). The Life of Haydn. Cambridge University Press. p. vi. ISBN 9780521895743..
  2. ^ Brauner, Jürgen (1995). Studien zu den Klaviertrios von Joseph Haydn. H. Schneider. ISBN 9783795208080.[page needed]
  3. ^ "Haydn – Piano Trio 'Gypsy Rondo' 3rd mvt sheet music". 8notes.com. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  4. ^ "Joseph Haydn", in Chamber Music, ed. Alec Robertson, Pelican, 1957, p. 42.
  5. ^ a b Philip, Robert. Notes to Hyperion CDA67719 (2009)
  6. ^ Fink, Michael, program notes (2013)
  7. ^ Robertson, Nicolas. Notes to Piano Trios Nos 38–40, Hyperion CD CDA66297 (1989)