Originally composed for the clarinet, the composer later transcribed the piece for viola to take advantage of the instrument’s lower register.

With only two instruments, Martinu creates an incredible range of tonal color and mood. The second piece is incredibly tender, and the finale hides several musical jokes, including a reference to Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony.

The slow middle movement gives this, one of the most famous of all piano trios, its nickname. The haunting melody is said to be inspired by the opening scene of Hamlet.

Based on a song from his famed “Die schöne Müllerin” cycle, these variations allowed Schubert to explore the beautiful melody in greater detail and variety.

Based on traditional Hungarian folk melodies, the Serenade is filled with virtuosic passages for all three musicians.

Brahms’ first Piano Quartet has withstood the test of time with beautiful melodies, and a dazzling finale that is as virtuosic as anything in the repertoire for the pianist.

The first piece written for this group of instruments, it paved the way for composers looking for a wide range of musical color in a small ensemble.

Quintessentially Beethoven, this sonata was written when he learned of his impending deafness and moves from a characteristically dark place to a triumphant and defiant tone.

The musical language is a nod to Bach with the structure of a prelude and fugue in the first two movements, but in the style of Shostakovich with his modern soundscape

With a distinctly Viennese sound, these extremely melodic miniatures also contain Shostakovich’s typical harmonies, particularly in the final movement Waltz.

Inspired by Tolstoy’s novella, which was itself inspired by Beethoven’s Violin Sonata, this work is programmatic musically telling the story of jealousy and rage found in Tolstoy’s story.

One of the favorites of the repertoire, this quartet features beautiful, lush melodies and strong contrasts between the piano and strings, hallmarks of Schumann’s chamber music.

In this modern and melodic piece, each instrument has a separate but equal voice, creating a sense of power and fullness when the instruments play in unison.

Britten wrote several famous sets of Themes and Variations based on other composers work. This one, on music by Kodaly, was written for brothers, one who played flute, the other was a violinist, and both were pianists.

Massive in scope and scale, this quartet, Schubert’s last, was composed in just over one week’s time.

One of the first in a long line of great French Violin Sonatas, Fauré’s first sonata has balanced writing for both instruments and lyrical melodies in the Romantic style.

Sweeping melodies and clear musical lines show that while not known for his chamber music, Saint-Saëns’ writing rivals that of other Romantic composers and this work deserves a place in the pantheon of great piano quartets.

Debussy only wrote one string quartet, but this masterpiece showcases his talents as a master of the timbre, or color, of the instruments in the group.