The piano quintet is a powerhouse chamber ensemble, combining the sonic richness of a string quartet with the symphonic aura of grand piano. Inspired by Schumann’s early example, composers from the Romantic age all the way through the 21stcentury have contributed significantly to the genre. Russian master Anton Arensky, a teacher of Rachmaninoff, penned his sole quintet in his mature years, and the ever-popular champion of French music Saint-Saëns began his prolific chamber music career with this quintet of surprising skill and maturity. Bracing violin duos by virtuosos of the Baroque and Classical eras serve as effervescent quintet preludes.PICK 4 PACKAGEPROGRAMLeclair: Sonata in E major, Op. 12, No. 2Arensky: Piano Quintet in D major, Op. 51Viotti: Duo in G major for Two Violins, W 4.9Saint-Saëns: Piano Quintet in A minor, Op. 14VIEW FULL CHAMBER MUSIC AT THE BARNS SERIES