PIANO QUINTET
for piano and string quartet
 
An Exciting Contemporary Work for Piano Quintet
Piano Quintet (2000) by Lior Navok is an 18-minute work for piano and string quartet. Commissioned by the American Composer Forum with support from the Jerome Foundation, the piece blends concerto-like brilliance with intimate chamber interactions. Across three thematically connected movements—poco rubato e tranquillo, a brisk scherzo, and an expansive adagio tenero—the quintet explores expressive contrasts, virtuosic interplay, and lyrical depth, offering a compelling addition to the modern Piano Quintet repertoire.
 
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About the Music
Piano Quintet explores the dual nature of the medium—at times allowing the piano to take on a concerto‑like presence, and at other times drawing all five players into intimate chamber‑music dialogue. The three movements are closely connected thematically. The opening poco rubato e tranquillo introduces one of the work’s central motives before shifting into a more impassioned character. A brisk scherzo highlights the ensemble’s agility and rhythmic clarity, while the final adagio tenero expands the expressive world of the earlier movements, serving as a reflective echo of the material that precedes it. It is intended for professional chamber ensembles or advanced conservatory‑level groups experienced with contemporary chamber writing, making it well suited for modern chamber‑music programs, dedicated PIANO QUINTET recitals, or concerts exploring contemporary extensions of traditional forms.
 
Program Notes
I have always viewed the Piano Quintet as the younger cousin of the piano concerto. The string quartet, a unified and homogeneous medium in its own right, surrounds the piano and generously allows it to act like a concerto soloist. However, the beauty of this medium lies in its chamber music qualities, where each member expresses themselves as individuals, creating delicate and intimate musical moments.
While composing this 2000 work, I aimed to integrate all these elements across three thematically related movements. The poco rubato e tranquillo introduces a main motive before shifting into a passionate, faster section. This is followed by a brisk scherzo, while the final, extended adagio tenero serves as a reflective echo of the preceding movements.
 
Specifications
Duration: 18 minutes
Year Composed: 2000
Instrumentation: Piano, Violins (2), Viola and Cello
 
Product Information
Availability: Instant PDF Download (Score)
Return Policy: Digital downloads are not eligible for returns.
Condition: New 1st Edition digital score