The history of large-scale works for clarinet, cello and piano began with Ludwig van Beethoven's two trios from 1797 and 1803. Soon after the publication of Beethoven's trios, several of his contemporaries were also inspired to compose trios for these instruments.

Adalbert Gyrowetz (1763-1850), a prolific Bohemian composer who worked in Vienna, wrote chamber music in the elegant, balanced style of the Classical period. His clarinet trios often follow the model popularized by Beethoven and others: clarinet, cello and piano. They emphasize the lyrical qualities of the clarinet while maintaining an equal, dialogical relationship between the three instruments. Gyrowetz's music favors charm and clarity over dramatic intensity and thus provides an insight into the salon culture of early 19th century Vienna.

Johann Heinrich Volckmar (1770-1840), although less well-known, left his mark on the clarinet trio with works that combine classical formal rigor with early romantic influences. His trios are characterized by a pronounced sense of melody; the clarinet often plays bright, songlike lines, while the piano provides both harmonic support and virtuoso moments. Volckmar's compositions illustrate how regional composers outside the classical canon explored the expressive potential of the clarinet, even if their works tended to play a subordinate role in everyday concert life.

Ferdinand Ries (1784-1838), a pupil and close confidant of Beethoven, represents a later phase of the trio tradition. His clarinet trios display a stronger Romantic sensibility with broader structures, more pronounced contrasts and more demanding instrumental passages. Ries lends his works dramatic flair and lyrical warmth, reflecting both Beethoven's influence and his own musical signature. The trios by Gyrowetz, Volckmar and Ries together trace the development of the clarinet from classical elegance to romantic expressiveness in the context of chamber music.

Played on historical instruments by Trio Origo. Trio Origo was founded in 2004 on the occasion of a performance of Beethoven's Trio op. 11, when the members were still students at the Sibelius Academy. Since then, the trio has concentrated on performing classical and romantic works on period instruments. The recording of two Beethoven trios by Trio Origo was released by Brilliant Classics in 2020.