Whereas yesterday, I didn’t really appreciate the string trios, today – for some odd reason – I do.

Maybe I’m a sucker for music composed in G, which is how today’s CD begins (String Trio In G Op. 9 No. 1). It’s possible. Because this morning I was attentive to every note from the very first.

Maybe it’s the lower register and the slower pace that adds depth. It’s possible. When something seems emotional, rather than lugubrious, I take notice.

Honestly, I don’t know why today’s trios affect me differently.

I just know they do.

Today’s music seems more introspective, melancholy, or expansive to me. It seems to have a more colorful palette.

Here’s what I’m listening to:

String Trio In G Op. 9 No. 1 (composed 1797-1798; Beethoven was 27 or 28)

String Trio in D Op. 9 No. 2 (composed 1797-1798; Beethoven was 27 or 28)

String Trio in C Minor Op. 9 No. 3 (composed 1797-1798; Beethoven was 27 or 28)

Here’s who’s performing them:

The Zurich String Trio

Boris Livschitz violin
Zvi Livschitz viola
Mikael Hakhnazarian cello

By the way, String Trio in D Op. 9 No. 2 is the flip side to String Trio in G Op. 9 No. 1. The latter is bright, lively, and textured. The former is contemplative, relaxed, and deep.

This was one of my favorite Beethoven CDs so far. It’s not in my Top 5. But it’s surely in my Top 15.