Forellenquintett • Trout Quintet • Quintetto »La Trota«

Franz Schubert’s Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667, known as the Trout Quintet, was originally composed in 1819. It earned its nickname from the fourth movement, a set of variations on Schubert's earlier song 'Die Forelle.' The work is celebrated for its unusual instrumentation, which replaces the second violin of a standard string quartet with a double bass, lending the piece a light, resonant, and distinctive chamber music texture.

This specific 1979 release on the Deutsche Grammophon label features a legendary collaboration between pianist Emil Gilels and members of the Amadeus Quartet, augmented by double bassist Rainer Zepperitz. The recording captures a period where the Amadeus Quartet was considered the definitive ensemble for classical repertoire. It was highly regarded by critics for its balance of technical precision and the collaborative, joyous spirit that the performers brought to Schubert’s melodic writing.