Elgar's Piano Quintet in A minor was part of a trilogy of chamber works, conceived along with his Cello Concerto, in the rural seclusion of Brinkwells cottage in West Sussex.
Composer Biography
Lady Elgar, the composer's wife, noted in her diary that Elgar's new music, including the Piano Quintet, was "wonderful new music, different from anything else of his … wood magic, so elusive and delicate."
Composition History
Both Amy Beach and Sir Edward Elgar, the composers on this album, were at the height of their musical powers when they turned to the piano quintet form.
Performer Biography
Garrick Ohlsson, the pianist on this recording, won the Gold Medal at the 1970 Chopin International Piano Competition, bringing him worldwide recognition.
Compositional Technique
The piano part of Elgar's Piano Quintet opens with a theme that seems to quote the first four notes of the plainchant Salve regina.
Compositional Technique
Amy Beach's Piano Quintet in F sharp minor, Op 67, explicitly references Brahms's piano quintet, deriving a main theme from its second theme in the fourth movement.
Critical Reception
Amy Beach's Piano Quintet in F sharp minor was hailed by Boston critics as an important contribution to the literature at its 1908 premiere.
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