work and places a certain dignity on this trio that was a stark and refreshing interest for this time period. Third movement Andantino grazioso – Trio (ternary/minuet form, A major) This movement of the trio receives the most criticism of all of the four movements. Brahms writes for the clarinet in a folk/waltz style that gives it an enthusiastic, cheery tune. The harmonies shift abruptly or in a linear motion at times to support the folk-like melody given by the clarinet and cello: one reason this movement is considered structurally unstable. Another reason this piece is considered weak is because the writing for the clarinet and cello are intertwined in a way such that they rely on one another: when the cello is playing may be in a spot where the clarinet has to breathe, or, contrarily, the clarinet may play when the cello must change their bowing or adjust their position. Many believe that Brahms experimenting with this trio format (in reference to this movement, particularly) shows that even a noted composer like Brahms struggles to write successfully for the timbre emitted from the combination of these three instruments. Fourth movement Allegro (sonata form, A minor) In this movement, Brahms varies his harmonic modulation drastically, yet manages to include his signature F–A–F (Frei aber froh) chord progression. This movement harnesses and controls the eccentricities of the Trio, and shows how Brahms still, even after retirement, is able to finagle his magnificent writing into a chamber ensemble that has little precedent. Brahms plays with rhythm in this movement more than the other movements, using syncopation between the clarinet and cello to transfer to the fourth theme of the movement. He uses canons between the three instruments and combines this with syncopation, especially at the end of the movement, which is definitely an audience pleaser. References Notes Sources External links , Andreas Ottensamer (clarinet), Dejan Lazić (piano), Sol Gabetta (cello) Piano trios by Johannes Brahms Compositions for clarinet Compositions for cello 1891 compositions Compositions in A minor