The Trout Quintet, formally known as Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667, is a chamber‑music composition by Austrian composer Franz Schubert (1797–1828). Completed in 1819, the work takes its popular nickname from its fourth movement, which incorporates a set of variations on Schubert’s earlier Lied “Die Forelle” (“The Trout”), D. 549.
Instrumentation
The quintet is scored for piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass. This distinctive ensemble, featuring a double bass instead of the more usual second violin, contributes to the work’s rich, resonant low register and was unconventional for early‑19th‑century chamber music.
Structure
The composition consists of four movements:
- Allegro vivace – A lively sonata‑form opening in A major.
- Andante (Theme and Variations) – A set of variations on a theme later used for “Die Forelle.”
- Scherzo: Presto – A brisk, rhythmic scherzo in D major, providing contrast to the preceding movements.
- Tema con variazioni: Andante – A set of variations in A major built on the melody of “Die Forelle,” which gives the work its nickname. The movement concludes with a coda that revisits material from earlier sections.
Historical Context
Schubert composed the quintet while residing in Vienna, during a period in which he produced numerous works for small ensembles. The piece was first performed privately in 1820, with the composer himself at the piano. Publication occurred posthumously in 1866, after Schubert’s growing reputation for chamber music had been established.
Reception and Influence
Since its publication, the Trout Quintet has become one of the most frequently performed and recorded chamber works of the Romantic repertoire. Critics have praised its inventive instrumentation, lyrical themes, and the seamless integration of the popular song material into a sophisticated chamber setting. The quintet has been cited as an influence on later composers who explored non‑standard chamber ensembles, including Johannes Brahms and Antonín Dvořák.
Notable Recordings
Prominent recordings include interpretations by the Alban Berg Quartet with Alfred Brendel (piano), the Emerson String Quartet with André Previn (piano), and the Vienna Piano Quintet formed around pianist Mitsuko Uchida. These recordings illustrate diverse approaches to tempo, articulation, and balance within the ensemble.
Manuscript and Editions
The autograph manuscript is housed in the Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek). Modern critical editions are published by Bärenreiter and Henle, offering performers scholarly commentary on textual variants and performance practice considerations.
Cultural References
The title “Trout Quintet” has entered common parlance, often used to denote any piano quintet featuring a double bass, though such ensembles remain relatively rare. The work’s popularity has also led to its inclusion in educational curricula for advanced chamber music studies.