Penta (Πέντα)
Piano quintet
Programme notes
(Dixit Casteels) Envision a timepiece with a crystal-clear dial, offering a direct view into its intricate workings. I invite listeners to transfer this visual fascination into a purely auditory experience when engaging with my piano quintet. I named this dense, concise composition PENTA, taking the Ancient Greek word Πέντα [meaning 5] as its source, because the prime number 5 acts as the fundamental governing principle. The number five dictates every structural element, including the number of sections and bars, duration, time signature, dynamics, articulation, phrase length, and even the melodic and rhythmic themes. The score builds towards a symmetrically placed climax. Following this peak, the previous sonic gestures return in a compressed and inverted (retrograde) sequence, culminating in a steadily increasing level of energy and optimism.
Handwritten sketches and drafts
to be found in chapter XLVII of the white cover, A3 size, 600 pages sketchbook
Completion of the composition
22-II-2025
Analysis
see Penta: analysis (2025) under Articles, 1.13 in The Vault (2025) under Articles and also page 63 of the score of Penta
Parts
see full score: violin 1 (page 30), violin 2 (page 36), alto (page 42), cello (page 48) and piano (page 54)
Pentagram created by the composer
Duration:
8'
Composed In:
2025
Dedicated to:
Parts:
For score and parts included in the score, please email <rc@robertcasteels.com>
First performance:
First performed by:
Commissioned by:
979-0-9025005-2-4
Download Link: