Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97 “Archduke”

Arvo Pärt
Mozart-Adagio for piano trio

Arno Babajanian
Piano Trio in F-sharp minor

Trio Incendio:
Karolína Františová – piano
Filip Zaykov – violin
Vilém Petras – cello

Archduke Rudolf of Austria, later Archbishop of Olomouc, was only sixteen when Ludwig van Beethoven began teaching him piano and composition. Their relationship gradually developed into a deep friendship, and Rudolf became one of the composer’s most important patrons. Beethoven dedicated a number of his masterpieces to him, including the famous “Archduke” Piano Trio, composed in 1811. This monumental work stands out for its nobility, breadth of expression, and the virtuosic treatment of all three instruments.

The Mozart-Adagio (1992) by the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt represents a remarkable dialogue with musical history. The piece is based on the second movement of Mozart’s Piano Sonata in F major, K. 280, which is presented here in its entirety. Pärt adds delicate, almost imperceptible musical commentaries, lending the originally lyrical Adagio a melancholic, even tragic undertone.

Arno Babajanian’s Piano Trio in F-sharp minor (1952) grows out of the traditions of Armenian folk music and bears the influence of Aram Khachaturian. Originally written for David Oistrakh, Sviatoslav Knushevitsky, and Lev Oborin, the work captivates with its passionate Romantic expression, unforgettable melodies, and the virtuosity of all three instruments.