String Trio in B-flat major, D. 581, D. 581

Schubert's String Trio in B-flat major (D. 581, 1817) is one of the most charming and underperformed works in his chamber output, a four-movement piece composed at age 20 that already shows his gift for long-breathed melody and natural dialogue between the three instruments. The opening movement's graceful main theme flows with effortless ease, and the central Andante sostenuto is a tender nocturne of real beauty, while the Minuet has the gentle lilt of a Ländler that recurs throughout his chamber works. As a three-part texture the Trio is more transparent and intimate than his quartets and quintets, and its compact scale makes it a perfect concert opener or recital closer.