Presents

Eugene Sauzay

String Trio in G Major, Op.8--New Edition

Eugene Sauzay (1809-1901) was born in Paris. At the age of 14 he was admitted to the Paris Conservatory where he studied violin with Pierre Baillot and composition with Anton Reicha. In 1827, he won the 1st prize for violin and 2nd for composition. Besides playing in Baillot's string quartet, he later formed his own and in addition was appointed to important positions under King Louis Philippe I and Napoleon III. He served as Professor of Violin at the Paris Conservatory for three decades. In 1876, he was awarded the prestigious Chartier Prize for Chamber Music.

His String Trio in G Major, Op.8 was composed in 1846. The main theme to the upbeat opening movement Moderement is a jaunty dance-like subject initially played over bagpipe-sounding double stops. It then proceeds in genial fashion until it reaches a quicker and more dramatic section. Altogether, it certainly sounds quite ahead of its time for 1846. Next comes a warm and lyrical Romance. In third place is an updated version of the old French style Menuet. But it is not a minuet to which one could dance as there is a tinge of a scherzo about it with a  musette section serving as a trio. The finale, Avec vivacite, with its lopsided rhythm, is a kind of peasant dance.

Our new edition was overseen by senior editor Raymond Silvertrust. This is an interesting work in part because there are so few French string trios from the middle of the 19th century. Written with the sure hand of a string player, this trio can be presented in concert but is can also be warmly recommended to amateurs as it presents no technical difficulties.

Parts: $19.95

Parts & Score: $24.95