Sun 23 November 2025 3:00pm

The Ward Quartet

£20.50 - Free for accompanied children 14 and under

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Swindon Recital Series

Composed in 1893, Brahms’ only piano quintet (2 violins, viola, cello and piano) is one of the best-known and best-loved quintets today. It is very expressive, ranging from calm through mystery to storm, with a short passage that, if written today, could be said to be influenced by the jazz era.

Although Shostakovich composed two piano quintets, the first was when he was a student and was eventually abandoned. The one that survived was composed in 1940, during the Soviet era and shortly before the outbreak of war with Germany. An immediate public success (it ‘was discussed in trams’) and still today one of Shostakovich’s most popular works, this is a composition of beguiling charm, directness and vitality.

Paul Turner

Wiltshire-based classical pianist and chamber musician who studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London. 'Paul Turner was superlative in every way - wonderfully sensitive, with a very wide tonal palette' (Oxford Mail) 'For his part, Turner offered... intricate piano writing rendered with exemplary clarity and poise' (Richard Whitehouse) '... superbly partnered by Paul Turner's sensitive and alert accompaniments... that sixth sense of timing which is the true accompanist's particular gift' (Eastern Daily Press).

See Paul Turner tour dates