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. 

Contrapuntal amblings open the amiable Troisième Trio. The Andante grazioso is a pleasant intermezzo before the darker Menuetto – Allegro moderato and the babbling Trio – Più allegro. The Finale – Vivace con brio is a sprightly conclusion to the work.