Haydn: Piano Trios Vol. 4

The Trio Gaspard continues its acclaimed series of Haydn piano trios with this collection of later works, which is intended to be played (and listened to) as a standalone program. As with the previous releases, the album contains the world premiere recording of a commissioned work intended to complement Haydn's works – in this case, "Trance" by Sally Beamish. The CD begins with Haydn's Trio No. 26 in C minor from 1789, followed by Trios No. 34 in B-flat major and No. 36 in E-flat major, which were composed in the 1790s during Haydn's time in London. Trio No. 31 in G major was originally published as a sonata for violin and piano, which is unique in Haydn's work. However, editions by other publishers included a cello part, and it is assumed that Haydn intended the work as a trio.

Sally Beamish says about her trio: "The melancholic nature of Haydn's [F-sharp minor] trio influenced my approach and connected with memories of my mother and her gradual disappearance into dementia. The title 'Trance' suggests a meditative state, but also a 'passing through' or departure: the confusing development of my relationship with my mother as her personality changed, transformed, and faded."