Jerusalem Quartet

Alexander Melnikov, piano

Schumann Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op. 44
Schumann Piano Quartet in E flat major, Op. 47

Legend has it that just before the premiere of Schumann’s famous Piano Quintet, his wife Clara (to whom the piece was dedicated) was suddenly taken ill and replaced last minute by illustrious understudy Felix Mendelssohn (Schumann’s idol) who sight-read the piano part. Whatever the veracity of this story, from its bravura opening to its exhilarating coda the Piano Quintet remains the high watermark of the Schumann chamber oeuvre. It is performed here alongside its sibling Piano Quartet, Opus 47.

The Jerusalem Quartet is one of the most dynamic chamber ensembles on the international scene with a reputation for compelling live performance and extensive repertoire. It is joined here by star Russian pianist Alexander Melnikov.