Shostakovich (1906-75) composed his two Piano Trios in 1923 and 1944 respectively. The works are diametrically opposed in almost every way. The Piano Trio No. 1 Op. 8 is one of Shostakovich’s true early works (written when he was just 17!) and is filled with the romanticism and passion of the composer’s first amorous encounter. This short, one-movement piece contains many features characteristic of Shostakovich’s later works, such as snatches of humour, agitated piano passages, persistent chordal passages and sometimes uncomfortable dissonances but these give way to two extended melodies juxtaposing lyricism and exasperated anticipation, usually introduced by the cello before being taken up by the violin.