I am playing the Schuman and Dvorak Piano Quintetts but find the Brahms above my "play grade" at present, because of passages in the last two movements. Can anyone tell me whether the Shostakovich is on the technical level of the Brahms or less demanding? I'm thinking particularly of the piano part since the string players seem to cope pretty well with anything. They're probabley better players than me, or perhaps cheat a bit round the edges. We play purely for our own pleasure let me say.

I would also be grateful to hear of any other piano quintetts which are both good and not too demanding.

Only the Scherzo is really tricky, with about four pages that I needed to memorise and still played very approximately. The rest of it is easier than the Dvorak movement 1 (if I remember correctly) and much easier than the Brahms.

Thanks for your reply, I have now ordered the music. I also, find it necessary to play difficult passages from memory; for instance the development section of the first movement of the Schuman Quintet where the piano plays part of the first subject in diminution. This is an exciting passage to play, but poses problems of both technique and interpretation. With regard to the first movement of the Dvorak, I find the time a problem in places and as a result suffer some censure from the first violin. Nothing like playing chamber music with a few friends, and quite often, not even mentioning music during a lengthy and enjoyable coffee break! Thanks again for your valuable comments. Peter.