Thomas Adès, a contemporary classical composer and pianist, presents a captivating album that showcases his own Piano Quintet alongside Franz Schubert's renowned "Trout" Quintet. Released on May 9, 2005, under Warner Classics, this album is a delightful exploration of the piano quintet form, blending Adès' modern compositional style with Schubert's timeless Romantic masterpiece.
The album opens with Adès' Piano Quintet, a three-movement work that demonstrates his unique voice and innovative approach to classical music. The first movement, marked by its rhythmic drive and harmonic complexity, is followed by a lyrical and introspective second movement. The finale brings the work to a close with a thrilling and virtuosic display.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Schubert's Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667, affectionately known as the "Trout" Quintet. This beloved work is performed with sensitivity and panache, highlighting the interplay between the piano and the string quartet. The famous "Trout" theme, which appears in the fourth movement, is rendered with particular charm and finesse.
With a total duration of just over an hour, this album offers a rich and varied listening experience. Adès' Piano Quintet and Schubert's "Trout" Quintet are both performed with technical brilliance and musical insight, making this a rewarding and enjoyable collection for lovers of classical piano music.