So as it is a Monday, this post of course features a Mozart work.

Written in 1786, we examine one of the finest works for piano trio Mozart ever wrote. The Piano Trio in B-flat Major, K.502 is a masterwork by the master and achieves a level of his deepest musical maturity in the genre. The work comes at a time when Mozart was composing his last four symphonies. The usage of both the operatic and concerto genres stem deeply with this Op.502 Trio as Mozart's unique fusion of comic and serious elements distinguish themselves in this chamber work as they frequently did in establishing his Opera's.

1. Allegro


The first movement begins with "a sweetly beguiling theme which quickly escalates into dramatic dialogue between the instruments in high energy 'action and adventure' episodes.

2. Larghetto


The middle movement, a heartfelt Larghetto, mirrors the passionate emotion expressed in so many Mozart operas, in which virtually all of the slow arias (and many of the fast ones, as well) are about the emotional rigors, pleasures and deprivations of romantic love.

3. Allegretto


In the concluding movement, the music mimics both comic/serious opera characters and the piano concerto medium, so important to Mozart at this time, with dazzling keyboard writing throughout, a mock cadenza, and a coda of instrumental fireworks.

To finish with a quote, musicologist Alfred Einstein glows with praise about the Trio: "In every measure one finds the freshness, the nobility of invention, and the inspired mastery that synthesize. He contrasted elements of brilliance and intimacy, contrapuntal craftmanship and galanterie, into a higher unit."

One can almost garner a slender touch of love or nobility that arises from the manner in which the performers communicate in this performance. Featuring the beautiful Julia Fischer on violin, Daniel Müller-Schott on the cello and Jonathan Gilad on the fortepiano, it is a tremendous production in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the composer's birth.