Mozart : Trio for Clarinet (or Violin) Viola & Piano in E flat major Kv.498

　　莫札特 : 降E大调单簧管、中提琴与钢琴所作的三重奏Kv.498

　　Clarinet : Jose Franch-Ballester

　　Viola : Richard Yongjae O'Neill

　　Piano : Molly Morkoski
 

　　Description :

　　Nevertheless, it is widely held that Mozart composed the Trio in E flat for clarinet, viola, and piano, K.498 while participating in a game of skittles; this would account for its nickname, the "Kegelstatt" Trio. The score is dated August 5, 1786, and the work is, by any reckoning, extremely dense and cerebral, and hardly the outcome of any frivolous diversion.

　　The Trio largely eschewes virtuosity in favor of exploiting the natural lyrical qualities of the clarinet and viola. According to Mozart's friend and informal pupil Caroline von Pichler the trio was composed for Franziska von Jaquin, another pupil, and a member of a family who were close friends of the Mozarts. It is probable it was first performed by Franziska accompanied by Mozart, and the outstanding clarinetist Anton Stadler, for whom Mozart composed a number of works. In 1788, the trio was published in Vienna by Artaria with an optional violin part as an alternative to the clarinet.

　　Set in three movements, the "Kegelstatt" Trio opens with an Andante in the tonic key of E flat, featuring complex dialogue between these three unusual instrumental collaborators. The second motif, on the clarinet, is also similar to the first theme; there are no great conflicts, therefore. The B flat Menuetto, which follows, is also built upon contrasts, though the main theme is announced in unequivocal terms at the outset. Interestingly, the main theme of the trio section also reappears at the close of the recapitulation. The work ends with a dazzling and exhilarating Rondeaux -- the French term here substituted for the more customary "Rondo." The final movement is remarkable for its two intermezzo-like passages in which the piano comes to the fore.

　　Movements :

　　1.Andante

　　2.Menuetto & Trio

　　3.Rondeaux. Allegretto