R. Schumann: Piano Quartet in E flat Major, (1842)

D. Kashimoto, Vln.; G. Karni, Vla.; S. Gabetta, Vc.; N. Goerner, Piano. 0:00 - Mov. I: Sostenuto assai - Allegro ma non troppo 8:40 - Mov. II: Scherzo: Molto vivace - Trio I - Trio II 12:15 - Mov. III: Andante cantabile 19:09 - Mov. IV: Finale: Vivace It is easy to understand why Schumann’s Piano Quartet is often considered the younger brother to his Quintet: both share key signature, were composed during the same year, and the one seems to be a natural continuation of the other. Where the quintet is exuberant, full of contrasts and color, the quartet seems more concentrated, distilled. Counterpoint is arguably the focus of this work, and the themes are comparatively shorter than those of the quintet, which allows for a richer development. In many aspects, both works undoubtedly paved the way for the chamber music of Brahms, and this work’s influence can be seen in the latter’s Piano Quartet in C minor, check for example the long, subdued introduction of both works with the