Composer

:

Erich Wolfgang Korngold

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quintet

Average_duration

:

31:46

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Erich Wolfgang Korngold's Quintet for piano and strings in E major, Op. 15, was composed in 1921 when the composer was only 23 years old. The piece premiered in Vienna on March 23, 1922, with Korngold himself at the piano. The quintet is divided into four movements. The first movement, marked "Moderato," begins with a lyrical piano melody that is soon joined by the strings. The music is characterized by lush harmonies and a sense of yearning. The second movement, "Scherzo," is a lively and playful dance in 6/8 time. The third movement, "Adagio," is the emotional heart of the piece. It begins with a mournful cello solo that is taken up by the other instruments. The music builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet, introspective coda. The final movement, "Allegro molto e energico," is a virtuosic tour-de-force for the piano. The music is full of energy and excitement, with the strings providing a rhythmic backdrop for the piano's dazzling runs and arpeggios. Korngold's Quintet for piano and strings is characterized by its lush, Romantic harmonies and soaring melodies. The composer was heavily influenced by the music of Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler, and this influence is evident in the quintet's rich orchestration and emotional intensity. At the same time, the piece also shows Korngold's own unique voice as a composer, with its blend of classical forms and modern harmonies. Overall, Korngold's Quintet for piano and strings in E major, Op. 15, is a masterpiece of early 20th-century chamber music. Its combination of lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and virtuosic piano writing make it a favorite among both performers and audiences.

More....