Fauré and Norman

Ludvig Norman was one of the great musical personalities of his time. With his three symphonies and an equal number of overtures, he is the greatest Swedish symphonist of the 19th century after Franz Berwald. He also wrote excellent chamber music, including a series of string quartets, such as this vital and expressive A minor quartet.

Fauré's music ranges from light salon music to a musical romanticism that points forward to the music of the 20th century. He is best known for his meditative Requiem, but he also composed a wealth of chamber music: solo sonatas, songs, and a series of brilliant piano works. The first piano quintet encompasses both romantic melody and sparkling French sounds.

Louise Héritte-Viardot (1841–1918) was, like Fauré, a Parisian. She was a singer, pianist, and composer who wrote both orchestral works and chamber music. This lively piano quartet was a great success and is often called "the Spanish" because of the Spanish titles of the movements – such as the first movement's Paseo, a Spanish dance.