1.
trio — an instrumental piece or performance by three players
A classical music term for an instrumental performance by three players, or a piece written for three instruments. Parallel in formation to 二重奏 'duet' and 四重奏 'quartet'; used only of instrumental ensembles.
Compound of 三重 ('triple; threefold') and 奏 ('playing an instrument'). Part of the regular series 独奏 → 二重奏 → 三重奏 → 四重奏 based on the number of performers.
Usage
- Formal music-world vocabulary; appears in concert programs, album liner notes, and music criticism.
- Describes both the composition itself (a trio) and the performance of it.
- Often prefixed with the instrument name: ピアノ三重奏 'piano trio', 弦楽三重奏 'string trio'.
Common collocations
- ピアノ三重奏: piano trio (piano + violin + cello is the classic combination)
- 弦楽三重奏: string trio
- 三重奏を演奏する: to perform a trio
- 三重奏曲: a trio piece