Carl Czerny (1791-1857)

with more than 100 works he was one of the most productive composers and simultaneously the most famous of the European piano teachers. His numerous arrangements and his serious compositions e.g. the six “Grand Trios” for three pianists on one instrument, were tailored to suit the taste of audiences in Vienna. It is almost certain that these works were performed at the regular Sunday musical matinees in Czerny’s house. Beethoven, who was Czerny’s tutor, was often a guest on such occasions. The fact that so many trios were published at that time indicates their popularity.

Unfortunately very little is generally known about the 19th century composers, as a result there is much more information about their 20th century contemporaries.