Quintet for piano and strings in F sharp minor

Composed in 1921, this Quintet was Reynaldo Hahn’s most frequently performed chamber work during his lifetime, along with his Violin Sonata. Such popularity is quite understandable: in a score as solidly structured as it is appealing, the composer displays his natural melodic sense and perfectly balances the instruments. Hahn casually pursues the mood of the Belle Époque, oblivious to the new aesthetics advocated by his younger colleagues. One can hardly fail to notice how close this Quintet is to the sound world of Fauré – who also wrote two works in this genre in 1906 and 1921: same melodic delight, same subtle modulations, same fluent textures. Based on a striking ascending theme, the very energetic Molto agitato e con fuoco is truly inspired (reminiscent of the Allegro molto moderato of Fauré’s Piano Quartet No. 1). The Andante is a lyrical reverie, with a certain restrained grief. The critic Claude Rostand wrote enthusiastically about it: “Of all of Reynaldo Hahn’s production, this is the piece I would choose if only one could be kept.” Finally, the Allegretto grazioso is characterized by its elegance tinged with humour. The first movement’s ascending theme reappears, turned into a charming ritornello – evidence that under its engaging exterior the score has genuine formal ambitions. The first performance was given in November 1922, Salle Gaveau, by the pianist Marguerite Vaudilliers and the Poulet Quartet.