Presents
Joaquin Turina
Piano Quartet in a minor, Op.67
Joaquín Turina (1882-1949) was born in the Spanish city of Seville. At the age of four he was given as a gift an accordion and surprised everyone with the speed and facility he learned to play. In 1894 he began his formal studies of harmony theory and counterpoint. Almost immediately he began to compose small pieces. In 1905 he, as most other Spanish composers of the time, went to Paris where he studied piano with Moszkowsky and composition under Vincent d'Indy in the Schola Cantorum. He became good friends with Isaac Albeniz and Manuel de Falla. It was Albeniz who encouraged to find inspiration in the popular music of Spain and Andalusia. After finishing his studies, Turina moved to Madrid where he spent the rest of his life composing and teaching.
Turina's Piano Quartet in a minor, Op. 67 was composed in 1931. In it he departs from traditional classical structures.
each movement. The Lento opens moodily with a theme first uttered by the unison strings, followed respectively by the piano and cello. The main section, Andante mosso, is somewhat faster and impassioned, with more than hints of Spanish melody. The Scherzo is even more pronounced in its Spanish flavor. A contemplative, contrasting trio is included. The concluding Andante-Allegretto opens by briefly recalling the opening moment, with instrumental solos, but then devolves into a Spanish romance, not without Impressionist episodes that echo Debussy.
This is certainly a candidate for concert performance, especially since few piano quartets sound anything like it. It is not beyond accomplished and experienced amateurs.
Parts: $34.95
