Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of classical chamber music with the Alban Berg Quartett's exquisite collection of piano quintets. This album, released on Warner Classics in 2008, brings together the masterful works of Schubert, Dvořák, Brahms, and Schumann, offering a comprehensive journey through the evolution of this beloved musical form.
The Alban Berg Quartett, renowned for their precision and expressive depth, is joined by distinguished pianists to deliver performances that are both technically impeccable and emotionally resonant. The album opens with Schubert's iconic "Trout" Quintet, a lively and melodious piece that showcases the ensemble's ability to blend seamlessly. Dvořák's Piano Quintet follows, with its distinctive Czech folk influences and dynamic shifts, highlighting the quartett's versatility.
Brahms' Piano Quintet in F Minor, recorded live at the Wiener Konzerthaus in 1987, is a tour de force of Romantic-era composition. The Alban Berg Quartett captures the intensity and passion of Brahms' work, making it a standout piece on the album. The collection concludes with Schumann's Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major, performed live at Carnegie Hall in 1985, a work that combines lyrical beauty with structural complexity.
With a total runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, the Alban Berg Quartett's interpretations of these timeless works are sure to captivate and inspire.
Schubert: Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. Posth. 114, D. 667 "The Trout": I. Allegro vivaceFranz Schubert, Alban Berg Quartett, Elisabeth Leonskaja, Georg Hortnagel
Schubert: Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. Posth. 114, D. 667 "The Trout": II. AndanteFranz Schubert, Alban Berg Quartett, Elisabeth Leonskaja, Georg Hortnagel
Schubert: Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. Posth. 114, D. 667 "The Trout": III. Scherzo. PrestoFranz Schubert, Alban Berg Quartett, Elisabeth Leonskaja, Georg Hortnagel
Schubert: Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. Posth. 114, D. 667 "The Trout": IV. Tema con variazione. AndantinoFranz Schubert, Alban Berg Quartett, Elisabeth Leonskaja, Georg Hortnagel
Schubert: Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. Posth. 114, D. 667 "The Trout": V. Finale. Allegro giustoFranz Schubert, Alban Berg Quartett, Elisabeth Leonskaja, Georg Hortnagel
Dvořák: Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81, B. 155: I. Allegro ma non tantoAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Buchbinder, Alban Berg Quartett
Dvořák: Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81, B. 155: II. Dumka. Andante con motoAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Buchbinder, Alban Berg Quartett
Dvořák: Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81, B. 155: III. Scherzo. FuriantAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Buchbinder, Alban Berg Quartett
Dvořák: Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81, B. 155: IV. Finale. AllegroAntonín Dvořák, Rudolf Buchbinder, Alban Berg Quartett
Brahms: Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34: I. Allegro non troppo (Live at Wiener Konzerthaus, 1987)Johannes Brahms, Elisabeth Leonskaja, Alban Berg Quartett
Brahms: Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34: II. Andante, un poco adagio (Live at Wiener Konzerthaus, 1987)Johannes Brahms, Elisabeth Leonskaja, Alban Berg Quartett
Brahms: Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34: III. Scherzo. Allegro - Trio (Live at Wiener Konzerthaus, 1987)Johannes Brahms, Elisabeth Leonskaja, Alban Berg Quartett
Brahms: Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34: IV. Finale. Poco sostenuto - Allegro non troppo (Live at Wiener Konzerthaus, 1987)Johannes Brahms, Elisabeth Leonskaja, Alban Berg Quartett
Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major, Op. 44: I. Allegro brillante (Live at Carnegie Hall, 1985)Robert Schumann, Philippe Entremont, Alban Berg Quartett
Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major, Op. 44: II. In modo d'una marcia. Un poco largamente (Live at Carnegie Hall, 1985)Robert Schumann, Philippe Entremont, Alban Berg Quartett
Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major, Op. 44: III. Scherzo. Molto vivace - Trio (Live at Carnegie Hall, 1985)Robert Schumann, Philippe Entremont, Alban Berg Quartett
Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major, Op. 44: IV. Finale. Allegro ma non troppo (Live at Carnegie Hall, 1985)Robert Schumann, Philippe Entremont, Alban Berg Quartett
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