The Piano Trio Its History, Technique, and Repertoire [Paperback]

Over the centuries, the piano trio has gained a repertoire of exceptional size and richness; works written for this genre include some of the greatest of all chamber works. The first study devoted solely to the piano trio, this book reviews the development of the trio in different countries within the context of general music history, and shows how it has reflected changes in style and technique from Mozart and Haydn to the avant-garde composers of today. Smallman focuses on the principal works in the trio repertoire, and provides clear analytical descriptions supplemented by musical examples.

The first book devoted entirely to the genre of the piano trio....There is much for specialist and layman alike on each page of this valuable book. --Piano Quarterly

Not only the first word on its subject, but also the last word. --Times Literary Supplement

A book which fills a substantial gap ....Intelligently researched and literate, without obfuscation or pedantic display....Avoiding the mere listing which often passes for learning in this kind of subject, it discriminates with a deft turn of phrase and usefully sorts things out. --MusicalTimes

Uniquely valuable both for its historical and for its contemporary coverage. It is at once well organized, concise, interesting, and musicologically sound. --Choice