Enrique Granados (1867-1916) was born in the Spanish town of Lleida, studied in Spain and then in Paris. During his lifetime, he was primarily known both in Spain and abroad for his operas. But since his death, it has been his piano works and arrangements of these, which have kept his name alive. His two best-known chamber works are this Quintet and a piano trio composed immediately after he finished the Quintet. Both were composed when he was 27 and before he became known for his operas.
The Piano Quintet in g minor, Op.49, dates from 1898 and is one of only a handful of chamber works. In three movements, the opening Allegro begins darkly, but the second theme is sunny. There is a period French feel to it, not impressionist, but closer to Franck or d’Indy. The main theme of the second movement, Allegretto quasi andantino, begins very softly and sounds like a medieval French song. The finale, Molto presto, poco meno con passione, has a more Germanic sound to it, and the influence of Schumann can be discerned. The writing is quite good, and the melodies, though not Spanish, are quite attractive. It ought to be heard in concert and can be managed by most amateurs
