Presents
Henrique Oswald
Piano Quintet in C Major, Op.18
Henrique Oswald (1852-1931) Oswald was born in Rio de Janeiro. His father was a Swiss-German, his mother Italian. Shortly after his birth his family moved to São Paulo. His mother taught music and he had his first lessons with her. Subsequently he studied at the Music Conservatory of Florence with Giuseppe Buonamici. He was active as a conductor and music director both in Europe and Brazil. He was a prolific composer of chamber music: his list includes a violin sonata, 2 cello sonatas, 3 piano trios, 2 piano quartets a piano quintet, 4 string quartets and a string octet.
The Piano Quintet in C Major dates from 1895 while he was still living in Italy. The quintet is in four movements Allegro moderato, Scherzo. Prestissimo, Molto adagio, and Molto allegro The quintet is notable for its texture balance and transparency. Once hears echoes of Schumann and Mendelssohn, especially in the first and last movement. However, the harmonies of the first movement show the influence of Fauré and the French Impressionists. The main motive of the first movement, Allegro moderato, sounds like a secular song. The second movement, Scherzo, is characterized by rapid piano scales. The trio is more lyrical. The third movement, Molto adagio, is quite romantic and the center of gravity of the quintet. The Molto allegro finale recalls Mendelssohn, in the way of being a quasi uninterrupted movement throughout. The indicated fast tempo creates a sense of tremendous energy.
Our edition is based on the manuscript found in the Escola Nacional de Musica da Universidade do Brasil. This is a first class work which would do well in the concert hall and can be managed by experience amateur players as well.
Parts: $39.95
