Piano trio

Definition

A piano trio is a chamber music ensemble comprising of three instruments; the most common form comprises of a piano, violin and cello.

The form, which developed throughout the classical period, initially had a 3 movement structure. A fast movement, a slow movement and a final fast movement. This is the same overall structure as both a sonata and a concerto of that period.

Other combinations of instruments can be found, but this is less common that the typical piano, violin and cello grouping.

Examples

Schubert Piano Trio in Eb major

Mozart Piano Trio in G major

Related concepts

• Chamber music (H)