Antonín Dvořák - Dvorak: Piano Quintet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 81 & Piano Quintet No. 1 in A Major, Op. 5 (LP)

Antonín Dvořák's album "Dvorak: Piano Quintet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 81 & Piano Quintet No. 1 in A Major, Op. 5" is a captivating journey through the world of classical chamber music. Released on January 1, 1992, under the Sony Classical label, this album showcases Dvořák's exceptional talent and his significant contributions to the chamber music repertoire.

The album features two of Dvořák's most renowned piano quintets, performed with exquisite skill and sensitivity. The Piano Quintet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 81, composed in 1887, is a masterpiece that stands alongside the works of Schumann, Brahms, and Shostakovich. This quintet is a result of Dvořák's attempt to revise his earlier work, the Piano Quintet No. 1 in A Major, Op. 5, which he ultimately destroyed. The second quintet is a testament to Dvořák's direct and poignant lyricism, with its fresh melodies and rich harmonies that bubble up across all four movements.

In addition to the quintets, the album includes a selection of Dvořák's other works, such as the "8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187," "Gypsy Songs, Op. 55," and the "Piano Trio No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 90, B. 166: 'Dumky'." These pieces showcase Dvořák's unique blend of Brahmsian depth and warmth, Eastern European folk flavor, and sheer melodicism.

The album's duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, providing a comprehensive exploration of Dvořák's musical genius. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Dvořák's direct and poignant lyricism begins with the very first measures for piano and cello and it continues to bubble up in fresh new springs of melody: in pools fountains and waterfalls across all four movements.