Since the time of Beethoven, the piano trio has remained an eternal runner-up among chamber music genres, trailing the absolute champion: the string quartet. This is actually only true in German speaking countries: in France for example, this type of hierarchy has never existed. The sensitive tonal balance in the instrumentation of the piano trio has held a particular fascination for numerous composers.

The trios composed by Ernest Chausson and Claude Debussy in consecutive years – 1880 and 1881 – are exemplary for the development of this genre during the French Romantic period, but display completely different characteristics; while Chausson combines an atmosphere oscillating between melancholy and drama with formidable technical demands, Debussy’s early work displays in contrast a distinguished and lyrical elegance. Each of the four brief character pieces by Chalres- Marie Widor reflects an individual emotional world.

The acclaimed Trio Paian shines in a confident interpretation of all three works: this new CD is renewed proof of the ensemble’s exceptional ability.