Performed by the Sunrise Quartet with George Peachey, piano
Program Notes
Chaconne for piano quintet is loosely based on the Baroque variations form in which the main thematic material that is repeated and varied is a harmonic progression (rather than a bass line or melody). In the slow opening section, the progression is treated freely. It first appears in its entirety in pizzicati in the strings, followed by a statement of it in inversion in the piano. A prominent countersubject soon takes over, building to a climax. The harmonic progression then returns and is stated in several more variations. Chaconne was premiered in 1998 by the Sunrise Quartet with pianist George Peachey.
Duration: 9’
