Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 63
by Robert Schumann
Composed in 1847 in just over a month, at a period of exceptional creative productivity, the Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor is the finest of Schumann's three piano trios and one of the great Romantic chamber works. Its four movements project a wide range of expressive character: the opening Mit Energie und Leidenschaft drives forward with concentrated passion; the Lebhaft, doch nicht zu rasch dances with Schumannesque rhythmic urgency; the Langsam, mit inniger Empfindung sings with a depth of lyrical feeling that recalls the Schumann songs; and the finale returns to the energy of the opening to conclude with compelling force. Brahms considered it the finest chamber work Schumann composed and it has remained a cornerstone of the piano trio repertoire since its premiere by Clara Schumann, Joseph Joachim, and the cellist Johann Friedrich Grützmacher.
Editions
Henle Verlag
Ernst Herttrich, 2007
Critical Urtext edition based on autograph manuscript and first edition; the primary scholarly and performing text for professional ensembles.
Breitkopf & Härtel
Clara Schumann, 1887
Edition from the Clara Schumann complete works; historically invaluable as reflecting the composer's widow's direct knowledge of the work.
Edition Peters
Wilhelm Altmann, 1908
Practical performing edition widely used throughout the 20th century; standard text before the Henle Urtext became available.