Piano Quintet No. 1 (Bloch)

There are three movements:

1. Agitato
2. Andante mistico
3. Allegro energico.

The work is based around a motto theme built from ascending and descending fourths. The first movement falls roughly into the shape of a sonata allegro, and contrasts material of a grim tone with more mysterious, reflective moments. The second movement is mournful and builds to a huge climax before fading away. The final movement is more rhapsodic in nature contrasting reflective and energetic passages, before ending on a perfect cadence with a sense of serene resolution.^[1] The work is notable for its frequent use of quarter tones.^[4][5]

Notable historical recordings:

• The first recording was by the Pro Arte Quartet with Alfredo Casella in 1933.^[6]
• Quintetto Chigiano: Riccardo Brengola, violin; Mario Benvenuti, violin II; Giovanni Leone, viola; Lino Filippini, cello; Sergio Lorenzi, piano (Decca LXT2626 - 1951)