"He is the greatest master of counterpoint in Russia; I am not even sure there is his equal in the West" was Tchaikovsky's verdict on Sergei Taneyev. Perhaps Tchaikovsky's dislike of Brahms caused him to suddenly ignore the greatest exponent of perfect counterpoint of the late nineteenth century, but there is no doubt that Taneyev must have run Brahms a close second in this respect.

Many of Moeran's works took their inspiration from folk songs, and this charming string trio is no exception.

The Belgian violinist Ysa˙e was one of the greatest who ever lived, but his career as a performer was cut short by a condition known as "bow tremor" probably brought on by diabetes.   He then concentrated on composing and teaching.   Between 1914 and 1927 Ysa˙e composed three string trios. The first for two violins and viola was published as Op.19 and received its premiere in London and this is reflected in its unofficial title "Le Londres".   The second for violin, viola and cello had its premiere in the Belgian town of Chimay, hence the unofficial title "Le Chimay".   This premiere was an afternoon performance in a venue which had no electric lighting.   During the performance it went very dark during a thunderstorm and the performers had great difficulty playing the work because they could not see their parts.   For whatever reason, this trio and the third trio (also for violin, viola and cello) remained unpublished during Ysa˙e's lifetime.

Beethoven was proud of his string trio in c minor when he composed it in 1797.   The work strives with its passionate quality for a level of expressiveness never previously attained in chamber music.

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In comparison with works for string quartet, the string trio repertoire is comparatively neglected.  
The three musicians of the Eblana String Trio are committed to remedying that neglect.   For the past six years they have been giving concerts of string trios both in Britain and abroad.   During their years at the RNCM the trio won all the major chamber music prizes.