The Piano Quintet #1, written in Nuzerov, 6/28/02-8/6/02, was the first composition I wrote after my father's death. It is homage to the era in which he flourished as a musician, the romantically charged 1930's and 40's, with their Latin influences, and jazz and big bands. He continually performed at the piano until two weeks before his death at eighty-three. His love of music, which he so generously shared with me, was reflected in the eclecticism resulting from thousands of different "tunes" he knew from all nationalities. He loved life, adored women and was steadfastly loyal and dedicated to my mother. No matter where I was in the world, either by e-mail or by phone, we talked every day about music. Therefore, it seemed only fitting that I write and dedicate a work honoring his musical life.