Joseph Haydn: Baryton Trio in G major for 3 double basses (arr. Heyes)

About the Composition

Haydn’s Baryton Trio in G major is in four short and contrasting movements (Allegro - Allegro - Menuet & Trio - Presto) with the melodic material mostly played by double bass 1, although each part is of equal importance. The music is elegant and charming, with a strong rhythmic momentum and drive, and none of the movements outstay their welcome. Aimed at the intermediate trio, there is something of interest for each bassist and this would be ideal as the opening or closing piece in a concert, suitable for any occasion or audience.

Haydn’s prolific output of works for the Baryton was because his employer, Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, was a talented and skilful player of the instrument. He composed around 123 works for Baryton, Viola and Cello and, because they were written for amateur performances, they are generally shorter and less ambitious than his symphonies and string quartets.

About the Baryton instrument

The Baryton is a member of the gamba family, dating from the 17th-century, with a worldwide resurgence of interest today. The instrument is bowed and has six or seven strings over a fretted fingerboard alongside a series of resonating strings lying under the fingerboard, which can be plucked by the performer’s left thumb.