Robert Schumann was one of the most gifted composers of the second quarter of the nineteenth century. A true Romantic, hebroke away from musical convention, writing music that often had a strong literary connection, an indication of his own interests as a writer.

Schumann’s first two Piano Trios were written in 1847, inspired in part by his wife’sexample – her own Trio had been composed the previous year. The Trios exhibit a youthful verve and ardour, the joyful finalescaptured in Schumann’s vivid sense of tonalcolours. They form an essential and effectivepart of the chamber music repertoire.