Presents
Hans Pfitzner
Piano Quintet in C Major, Op.23
Han Pfitzner's
Piano Quintet in C Major, Op.23 was composed in 1908 during his activities as a
director of the Strasburg Conservatory. There are those who have said that this
is the kind of work Brahms would have written if he had been alive in 1908,
largely based on the resemblance of the opening of the Quintet to that of
Brahms’ Op.36 String Sextet. Perhaps, but not for long because Pfitzner’s music
quickly becomes almost hyper chromatic and sprinkled with some dissonances. The
opening Allegro ma non troppo rises to symphonic levels, full of power
and passion. Next comes an Intermezzo, graceful and calm. The third
movement Adagio, is deeply felt. The main section gives the feeling of an
improvisation, while the middle section, a funeral march, has a deeply
melancholic and depressing mood. After a short rhythmic dance-like section, the
finale Allegretto commodo Presents
quotations and thoughts from the
earlier movements in a cantabile fashion before ending pianissimo.
Hans Pfitzner (1869–1949) was born in Moscow of German parents. His father was a professional violinist and he received violin lessons from his father. Later he studied piano and composition at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt. He enjoyed a long career as a conductor and teacher. His music was held in high regard by contemporaries such as Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler. Pfitzner was an avowed opponent of the Second Vienna School with its serialism and atonal music. Instead, he sought new paths for traditional tonality. He composed in nearly every genre and is best known for his operas. He did not ignore chamber music, writing a number of string quartets, two piano trios and a piano quintet.
This is an important work with much that is original. A good candidate for the concert hall which can also be recommended to experienced amateur players.
Parts: $39.95
