Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1916

Average_duration

:

27:12

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Herbert Howells' Piano Quartet in A minor, Op. 21, was composed in 1916 and premiered in 1917. The work is comprised of four movements: Allegro moderato, Adagio, Scherzo: Allegro vivace, and Finale: Allegro con fuoco. The first movement, Allegro moderato, begins with a melancholic and introspective theme in the piano, which is then taken up by the strings. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the piano and strings engaging in a dialogue that is both passionate and lyrical. The movement ends with a return to the opening theme, but with a sense of resolution and closure. The second movement, Adagio, is a hauntingly beautiful piece that showcases Howells' gift for melody. The piano introduces a simple, yet poignant theme, which is then taken up by the strings. The music is characterized by a sense of longing and nostalgia, and the harmonies are rich and expressive. The third movement, Scherzo: Allegro vivace, is a lively and playful piece that provides a contrast to the more introspective music of the previous movements. The piano and strings engage in a lively dialogue, with the music alternating between moments of frenetic energy and more lyrical passages. The final movement, Finale: Allegro con fuoco, is a virtuosic tour-de-force that showcases Howells' skill as a composer. The music is characterized by its driving rhythms and intense energy, with the piano and strings engaging in a thrilling dialogue that builds to a powerful climax. Overall, Howells' Piano Quartet in A minor, Op. 21, is a work of great beauty and emotional depth. The music is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and virtuosic writing for the piano and strings. It is a testament to Howells' skill as a composer, and remains a beloved work in the chamber music repertoire.

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