Fauré: Piano Quartet No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 15 & Piano Quartet No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 45

The classical piano quartet is a chamber music genre typically scored for a specific ensemble: one piano and a string trio consisting of a violin, a viola, and a cello. Unlike the piano trio, the addition of the viola adds a rich middle register, allowing for denser textures and a more symphonic sound palette while maintaining the intimacy of chamber music. The genre demands a careful balance between the powerful, percussive nature of the piano and the sustained, lyrical qualities of the string instruments.