Schumann- Piano Quintet, Op. 44- Dvorák- Piano Quintet No.2, Op. 81

Schumann's Piano Quintet was one of the earliest examples of the combination of piano with a string quartet. It instantly became one of Schumann's most popular works. It was composed at a time of almost feverish industry - along with the quintet, he composed his three String Quartets Op. 41, the Piano Quartet and a set of Fantasy Pieces for piano trio, all in 1842. Dvorak's Op. 81 Piano Quintet stems from his attempt to revise an earlier work in a major from 1872. Dissatisfied with the earlier version, he set upon composing a new one - the result composed in September 1887 is one of his most beloved works. Jonathan Biss is one of the most exciting pianists of the younger generation, widely regarded for his artistry and deeply felt interpretations. Formed in 1998 at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, the Elias String Quartet have quickly established themselves as one of the most intense and vibrant quartets of their generation.