Joseph Haydn composed twenty-one string trios for two violins and violoncello, of which three have been lost. These chamber music gems, which do not turn up very often on concert programs, are full of surprises and provide much playing enjoyment. Based on the Haydn Complete Edition, also published by G. Henle, Haydn’s eighteen surviving string trios are presented in two practical volumes. The first contains Trios Hob. V:1–8 and 10–13. The preface to this Urtext edition offers valuable information about the genesis of the trios. Moreover, it contains numerous hints on performance practice, concerning for example the execution of embellishments.
