To those who only know Michael W. Balfe (1808-70) as the composer of _The Bohemian Girl_ and other operas, his Trio in A major for piano, violin, and ’cello will come as somewhat of a surprise, for as a general rule we do not find in opera composers the power to bring to a successful issue works of this class. Here, however, may be found not only tunefulness, but such technical skill and musicianship as this style of composition demands. Each movement possesses merit of no common order, and especially the scherzo may be mentioned as being distinguished by freshness and vigour, and also by certain humorous touches which serve to remind us that Balfe was musically, as well as nationally, an Irishman. [Sidenote: =Trio: Sir Hubert H. Parry=] Chiefly because of its being ahead of its time, and partly because of its difficulty, Sir Hubert H. Parry’s Trio in E minor for piano, violin, and ’cello has not had the recognition which it deserves, for it is a noteworthy work by one of our distinguished English composers. It also probably represents its composer’s _Sturm und Drang_ period. But it is the works of such periods which very often most fully reveal the aspirations and powers of an artist, even when also displaying the immaturities of inexperience. The second movement, and especially the adagio which follows, contains some of Sir Hubert Parry’s best music. The allegro giocoso with which the trio ends will, like the whole work, repay study, although it doubtless makes large demands on both performers and listeners. [Sidenote: =Trio: Bargiel=] Waldemar Bargiel (1828-97) was one of the followers of Schumann, under whose influence, and also that of Mendelssohn, he came at an early age. Later in life he worked with Dr. Joachim at the Royal Music School in Berlin. His works, without being absolutely great, are distinguished by sound musicianship and all those qualities which arise from true refinement and culture. The Trio in E flat, op. 20, for piano, violin, and ’cello is written in an elevated and interesting style. The andante especially is a nobly expressed and poetical movement. Another Piano Trio by this composer is that in F major, op. 6. This work, which is dedicated to Schumann, commences with a theme whose first four notes are quoted from the scherzo of that master’s Piano Quintett in E♭. It does not, however, either as regards its themes or its poetic feeling, compare favourably with the op. 20. [Sidenote: =Sterndale Bennett’s Trio, op. 26=]