I was privileged to be invited to a house recital ("chamber music", if you will) this afternoon. A friend of my brother's from their time at the University of Pittsburgh invited us to attend. He is a pretty talented pianist, and was performing with a few other fine gentlemen. They began with some Prokofiev and some Brahms waltzes, but this piece by Beethoven was the focal point of the recital. It's quite enjoyable, a trio featuring piano, cello, and violin with lively first and third movements bookending the largo second movement. For portions, the piano lays the foundation for the cello and violin to trade soaring melodies in a friendly sparring match. At other times, the strings cede the spotlight to the intricate fingering of the keys. It's two parts excitement, one part gentle and elegant beauty, and I highly recommend you listen to the entire work, although it clocks around 25 minutes so you may want to just give the first movement a go for now if you're pressed for time. If you do that, be sure to come back for the rest - it makes perfect background music for some reading or relaxation!
Piano Trio No. 5 in D major ("Ghost"), Op. 70 No. 1
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