Search - New York Philomusica :: Master Haydn, Student Beethoven

For the first time in NY Philomusica's history, the ensemble introduces live recordings of its concerts. Recorded at Merkin Concert Hall, NY this CD is the opener of this exciting series "The Live Concerts". On this CD NY Philomusica examines the progression from youth to experience of one of the greatest composers in history and juxtaposes it with the mature work of his mentor. Near the beginning of his career, Beethoven traveled to Vienna to study with Haydn, at which time, Haydn was establishing the piano trio as the preeminent musical form among high society. Haydn's influence is clearly visible in Beethoven's Piano Trio Op. 1, No. 2. Such was Beethoven's confidence in the success of this work that he offered it, along with two other trios in the opus, as his first published work, and its appeal has endured over time. Composed towards the end of his long career, Haydn's Piano Trio in G, Hob. XV: 25, exhibits an utterly superior confidence, and an ease with the form he had by now honed to perfection. Known as one of Haydn's most beloved works, this trio underlines both the similarities and the differences between Haydn and his student. Later, in his Piano Trio Op. 70, No. 2, Beethoven replaced the bombastic drama of youth with mature introspection, along with the brilliant exploitation of each instrumentalist's capabilities at the limit of technical possibility. Following their instincts and driven by that talent that has since been certified 'genius,' these two composers wrote music that redefined the language of the piano, violin and 'cello, creating beautiful works that remain favorites of audiences today.