French composer and teacher, Darius Milhaud (1892-1974) was a prolific composer of the 20th Century as a member of 'Les Six'. His compositions remain highly regarded, String Quintet No. 2 being no exception.

Milhaud's compositions are influenced by jazz and polytonality, as exemplified in String Quintet No. 2, which is the second of four String Quintets by the composer. Composed in 1952, String Quintet No. 2 is an alternative, exciting String Quintet for 2 Violins, Viola, Cello and Double Bass. Milhaud makes use of variation in bowings, complex rhythms, chromaticism, altering tempos, double stops, harmonics, variation in dynamics and a wide tessitura, among other aspects. Milhaud's String Quintet No. 2 is essential to all advanced String Quintets seeking modern and exciting repertoire.