Leo Sowerby (1895-1968) lived for most of his career in Chicago where he spent more than 40 years on the faculty of the American Conservatory and nearly as long as organist-choirmaster of St. James Cathedral. His music can be described as "eclectic" in the best sense of the word.

German theory, French composition, English and American folk music, liturgical music and jazz (he toured with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra) all figure among the influences on his vast body of work. He produced more than 550 scores and was composing until twelve days before his death. These two trios span most of his career; the Trio in C-Sharp Minor was written in 1911, the Trio for Violin, Violincello, and Pianoforte was written in 1953.