All the cliches about Haydn rush to mind while remembering the performance of Trio in C major, H. XV:27, at the Florence Gould Theater, Sunday, March 27. Those would be the “jewel like,” “brilliant,” “virtuosity,” and even “humorous”terms. The piano trio of Alexander Barantschik, violin; Anton Nel, piano; and Peter Wyrick, ‘cello performed with exquisite finesse and zest. They appeared to be just as delighted to be performing this marvel of structure and imagination as the audience was to hear it. Its brilliance really leaves one stunned; there is no end to Haydn’s inventions. The listener is swept away, amazed that the players could make it all beautiful and even fun.

   This is a heavenly trio, fitting for the music box setting of the Florence Gould Theater with its airy, angelic painting on the circular ceiling. Barantschik is Concertmaster of the San Francisco Symphony. Nel has performed frequently in the Chamber Music Series at the Gould Theater with the SF Symphony players and also with with SF, Cleveland, Chicago, London and other orchestras. Wyrick is Associate Principal Cellist at the SFS.

   They performed Beethoven’s Variations in G major on “Ich bin der Schneider Kakadu,”- yes, that means “I am the Tailor Kakadu.” Despite the somewhat humorous title, these variations include musically complicated composing ranging from meter switching to canons to deep mood contrasts. A piece that offers much more with careful listening; it was enjoyable and surprising.

   The program’s second half was Trio No. 1 in D minor for Violin, Cello, and Piano, Op. 32 by Anton Arensky (1861-1906). This is a moving and lovely piece, richly romantic and ardently performed. The music seemed to fit the players as though tailor made and celebrate both their musicianship and understanding. An embracing, musical finish to the series of concerts in the museum perched on a hill looking at the Pacific and the SF Bay all at once.

   Alexander Barantschik will perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with the SF Symphony April 7, Flint Center, in Cupertino, and April 8 & 9 Davies Symphony Hall.