Cocktail Party Fact: Schubert was one of the most facile song writers who ever lived. One rainy day, when he was restless, his friends gave him a book of poetry and he sat down and wrote the music for five songs.

Commitment Factor: About forty minutes.

Vital Statistics: Early Romantic Period. (1819) A five movement quintet for piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

What to Listen For: Most piano quintets are scored for piano, two violins, viola, and cello. The “Trout” is scored for a darker combo, but it’s one of the cheeriest and most lovable pieces in the entire classical repertoire. The quintet takes its title from the fourth movement — a set of variations on a Schubert song called “The Trout.” The quintet is in five movements, instead of four, because an acquaintance asked for the piece and specifically requested it include a set of variations on the “Trout” melody. Warning: Schubert inserted a false ending a few minutes before the true ending. The music reaches a climax and stops for a long moment. DON’T CLAP. But don’t sneer at those who do. Just smile understandingly.