Piano Quintet (2022) was commissioned and premiered by the Atlanta Chamber Players in May of 2023.
As with much of my music, images and other aspects of identity play a significant role in my compositional process. With the Piano Quintet, I sought for it to feel no different. Many of the musical traits are derived from combinations of sound and genre I experienced during myupbringing in Birmingham, Alabama.

I. Bootleg Hoedown - This first movement turns the ensemble into a hoedown band,complete with tunes, stomping, sliding and more. This wild opening gives way to many musical transformations where other genres like jazz or R&B slip into the context. This is reminiscent of the many styles of music I’d hear passing though festivals growing up. The hoedown gradually becomes so chaotic that it eventually collapses!

II. Expanse – This spacious movement evokes images from my childhood. I spent many days in nature with my father fishing, watching animals, stargazing, among other pastoral activities. The movement gives you the imagery of creeks, peaks, and open fields to the backdrop of delicately kindled bluegrass under moonlight.

III. Flight – A race to the finish, Flight is an aggressive scherzo that pushes the ensemble to the brink. It uses the extremes of each of the instruments with various colors and timbres as the movement drives itself to an adamant finish.

–Brian Raphael Nabors (2023)