In depth: “Dumky” & “Archduke”

Oct 27

On the Gryphon Trio program November 14:

Piano Trio No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 90, “Dumky” (1890–91) . . . . . . . . . Antonin Dvořák (1841–1904)

Spiegel im Spiegel (1978) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arvo Pärt (b. 1935)

Trio in B-Flat Major, Op. 97, “Archduke” (1811) . . . . . . . . . . Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)

You Can Hear Two of Chamber Music’s Great Works in One Night

Beethoven’s “Archduke” and Dvořák’s “Dumky” are on virtually all lists of greatest piano trios. They are often ranked among the most important of all chamber music works. Each evolved the piano trio form. To have both on one program is rare―and emblematic of the Gryphon Trio’s artistry and 30-year commitment to the form.

Dvořák’s “Dumky” Trio (1891), along with his A Major Piano Quintet and “American” String Quartet, are the composer’s most celebrated chamber works. Dumky is plural for dumka, a term of Ukrainian origin meaning “ballad,” “elegy” or “lament. [A dumka is often about a heroic saga, tragic historical event, or plea of a subjugated people.] The Dumky Trio is a six movement suite, each a complete dumka, a dichotomy of low and fast, dour and bright, masterful character contrast, rhythm, tempo, and color.

Beethoven dedicated his “Archduke” Trio (1811) to Archduke Rudolph of Austria, the youngest child of Holy Roman Emperor Leopold II. Rudolph provided the composer with unwavering financial support. [Beethoven reciprocated by dedicating many grand, large-scale pieces to the Archduke, including the Hammerklavier Sonata, the Emperor Concerto, and the Missa Solemnis. Like them,] the trio’s proportions are grand, yet balanced by the warmth, lyricism, and geniality, making it one of Beethoven’s most beautiful and popular works. This is widely regarded as one of Beethoven’s masterpieces, and as one on the great works of the chamber music canon.

Portrait of Beethoven by Joseph Willibrord Mähler (1815)

Sketches for the third and fourth movements of Piano Trio, op. 97, ('Archduke'), Beethoven, 1810-1811, musical autograph - Morgan Library & Museum, New York City

Rudolph Johann Joseph Rainier, Archduke of Austria by Johann Baptist von Lampi the Elder

For over 30 years, The Gryphon Trio has earned acclaim from international audiences through its highly refined, dynamic performances. With repertoire from traditional to contemporary, and from European classicism to multimedia, they are committed to both preserving and redefining chamber music in the 21st century. Their 22 album recording catalogue is a compelling encyclopedia of works for the genre.