<P> The work, and the second movement in particular, is arguably the most difficult piece Tchaikovsky wrote for piano, whether solo, with orchestra, or in a chamber group . It remains popular, despite its length (it plays for more than 45 minutes), for its breathtaking lyricism and the cosmic finality of its final statement . </P> <P> This was the only work Tchaikovsky ever wrote for the combination of piano, violin, and cello . In 1880, his benefactress Nadezhda von Meck, had asked for such a piece, but he refused, saying in his letter to her of 5 November 1880: </P> <Dl> <Dd> You ask why I have never written a trio . Forgive me, dear friend; I would do anything to give you pleasure, but this is beyond me...I simply cannot endure the combination of piano with violin or cello . To my mind the timbre of these instruments will not blend...it is torture for me to have to listen to a string trio or a sonata of any kind for piano and strings . To my mind, the piano can be effective in only three situations: alone, in context with the orchestra, or as accompaniment, i.e., the background of a picture . </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> You ask why I have never written a trio . Forgive me, dear friend; I would do anything to give you pleasure, but this is beyond me...I simply cannot endure the combination of piano with violin or cello . To my mind the timbre of these instruments will not blend...it is torture for me to have to listen to a string trio or a sonata of any kind for piano and strings . To my mind, the piano can be effective in only three situations: alone, in context with the orchestra, or as accompaniment, i.e., the background of a picture . </Dd>

Piano trio in a minor op. 50 - pezzo elegiaco