The Trois grands trios call for an ensemble of three horns in E, the same key that Reicha, to whom Gallay dedicates these works, writes for in his own Op. 82 Trios. Whilst the Reicha works, dating from some time before 1815, contain technical challenges for all three musicians, the Gallay trios, composed roughly fifteen years later, are much more dramatic and developed works. The title ‘Grands Trios’ seems particularly apt: each set is constructed with a quasi-symphonic structure of opening Allegro, slow movement, menuet or scherzo and trio, and virtuosic finale. 

The Premier Trio is probably the most affable of the three works opening with an upbeat Allegro marziale. A contemplative Andante con moto in E minor follows, but this more reflective mood does not last forever as the movement melts into a cantabile coda. The third movement is a robust Menuet with its sweeter companion Trio and the final Allegro vivo with its fanfares and galloping gait hints at the hunting origins of the instruments.