Composer

:

Anton Webern

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quintet

Compose Date

:

1907

Average_duration

:

12:04

Anton Webern's Piano Quintet, Op. 5, was composed in 1907 and premiered in Vienna on March 25, 1908. The piece is divided into four movements, with a total duration of approximately 12 minutes. The first movement, marked Sehr mäßig, begins with a slow and somber introduction in the piano, followed by a lively and rhythmic section in the strings. The piano and strings alternate between these contrasting moods throughout the movement, with the piano often providing a dissonant and angular accompaniment to the strings' more lyrical melodies. The second movement, marked Sehr langsam, is a hauntingly beautiful adagio that showcases Webern's mastery of harmony and texture. The piano and strings blend together seamlessly, creating a rich and complex tapestry of sound that is both delicate and powerful. The third movement, marked Sehr bewegt, is a frenzied and energetic scherzo that features rapid-fire rhythms and jagged melodic lines. The piano and strings engage in a lively and playful dialogue, with each instrument taking turns leading the way. The final movement, marked Langsam, is a slow and introspective piece that brings the work to a peaceful and contemplative close. The piano and strings weave together in a delicate and intricate web of sound, with Webern's characteristic use of silence and space adding to the overall sense of stillness and serenity. Overall, Webern's Piano Quintet is a masterful work that showcases his unique approach to composition, characterized by a focus on economy of means, extreme brevity, and a highly refined sense of harmony and texture. Despite its relatively short duration, the piece is a complex and multi-layered work that rewards repeated listening and careful attention to detail.

More....