Louise Farrenc (May 31, 1804 - Sept. 15, 1875) was a French pianist, teacher, and composer. Born in Paris, she started the piano at an early age, and later on also showed a knack for composition. At the age of fifteen, her parents let her study composition with Anton Reicha at the Paris Conservatory. Later on she embarked upon a successful concert career, started a publishing house with her husband, and eventually became a Professor of Piano at the Paris Conservatory. As a composer, Farrenc first started out writing solely for the piano, for which she got much praise for, including from Robert Schumann. Later on she started writing chamber music, and that genre is considered by many to be some of her best work. Her Trio for Flute, Cello, and Piano was composed in 1861-1862, and was her last chamber work. The first movement, Allegro deciso, is dramatic, with an intense drive. In the second movement, Andante, the flute has a sweet melodic line, which gets interrupted by a stormy interlude, and then returns to the sweet, peaceful mood. The third movement, Scherzo, is almost restless at times, with the piano almost constantly on the go. The cello and flute take turns playing long, sustained notes over the busy piano, and in the trio section, the cello has a strong melody in the higher register. The fourth and last movement, Presto, is lively and animated, with exciting writing for all three instruments.

Here are some recordings of this work for you to enjoy!

Streicher Trio
Eyal Ein-Habar, Adi Tal, Lahav Shani
Meininger Trio