While Dvorák's Piano Trio No. 1 (1875) is marked by a distinctly Czech character, its successor, the Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 26 (1876) has a less nationalistic orientation. At just under thirty minutes in duration, its construction is somewhat tighter than that of the First Trio. Though it is perhaps less appealing than that work on the basis of pure melody, it nonetheless offers its own musical rewards.

The themes in the Second Trio are constructed from motives in a manner that particularly encourages development. The first movement is based on two themes, one dramatic, one lyrical yet possesed of great rhythmic variety. The second movement is songlike. The Scherzo, clearly modeled after Beethoven, is marked by Dvorák's characteristic jolting half-step drops. The final movement uses a theme of Slavic character, which is, nonethess, fully fragmented for development in the manner of the previous movements. The mood the finale is cheerful, and its fleetness and uplifting spirits make for a very effective conclusion to the work.



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