Archduke Rudolph, the youngest son of Emperor Leopold II, is chiefly known today as the dedicatee of a number of Beethoven's greatest works.   He took piano lessons and composition lessons from Beethoven from 1803 until he became archbishop of Olomouc and a cardinal in 1819.

Brahms recommended the Clarinet Trio of Zemlinsky to his publisher Simrock.   Brahms is also known to have attended a performance of Zemlinsky's Symphony in D minor, and soon afterwards a performance of one of Zemlinsky's string quartets.

The Trio for Clarinet, Cello & Piano is the first of four chamber works that Brahms composed for the clarinet after being impressed with its possibilities after hearing Richard Mühlfeld perform for him.   This work is totally unlike Brahms' Clarinet Quintet.   It is notable for its balance, and the equality of all three instruments.

---

The Meryon Trio
In this exciting ensemble, Jitka Vlašánková, cellist of the world renowned Martinu Quartet joins prize-winning duo Angus Meryon (clarinet) and Richard Saxel (piano).   In 2008 they gave highly acclaimed performances at the Atrium Zizkov in Prague, at St.David’s Hall in Cardiff and at St. Peter’s Church in Wallingford, and they have since given many other performances around Britain.