Schubert: Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major

The Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat major for piano, violin, and cello, D. 929, was one of Franz Schubert’s final compositions, completed in November 1827. It was published as Opus 100 by Probst in late 1828, shortly before Schubert’s death, and was first performed at a private party in January 1828, celebrating the engagement of his school friend Josef von Spaun. The Trio was one of the few late works Schubert heard performed before his passing. Its initial private performance featured Carl Maria von Bocklet on piano, Ignaz Schuppanzigh on violin, and Josef Linke on cello.

Similar to Schubert’s other piano trio in B-flat major, this piece is notably larger than most piano trios of the period, with a performance time of nearly 50 minutes. The second theme of the first movement is loosely based on the opening theme of the Minuet and Trio from Schubert’s G major sonata (D. 894).