Dora Pejačevič, born to a noble Croatian-Hungarian family, took piano lessons from her baroness mother and began composing at the age of twelve. She later studied violin and composition privately in Zagreb, Dresden, and Munich, and her Symphony in F-sharp Minor is credited with being the first modern Croatian symphony. Unfortunately, Dora died at age 38 while giving birth to her son Theo. Within those 26 years, she embraced the late Romantic style, while venturing into more uncharted tonal territory which can be heard occasionally in this piano quartet. The Adagio has a lyrical melody that is passed between the instruments. The piano shifts between melody and supportive accompaniment while the melody soars in a different instrument. There are several places in the music which call for surprising dynamic shifts, but overall the music is fluid and peaceful. The Menuetto is delightfully contrasted with the Adagio, with a fast tempo, pizzicato (plucked strings), and playful conversation between piano and strings. The trio is a more lyrical, featuring a cello solo followed by a rousing return to the beginning of the movement for a spirited finish.

Theoretical Quartet Members
Cameron Wilcox, violin
Erica Robinson, viola
Nathan Francisco, cello
Alissa Tanguay, piano