André Volkonsky

Piano Quintet Op. 5

Prince André Volkonsky (1933-2008) was a rather charismatic figure in the Russian post-war music scene. His role as a 'pioneer' in the field of twelve-note music in Russia cannot be overemphasized. His talent was discovered by the great pianist Maria Yudina who insistently promoted Volkonsky's music again and again in the 1950s. The piano quintet is one of the first works Yudina got to know and came to appreciate. Although being an early work by Volkonsky and on top of that a 'traditional' one, the quintet was performed quite often and successfully in the 1950s with the collaboration of Maria Yudina.