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Johannes Brahms: String Sextet No. 1, Theme and Variations in D Minor

by Kocian Quartet, Josef Klusoň, Michal Kaňka, Jean-François Heisser

supported by
Damon & Lynn Pritchett
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1.
String Sextet No. 1 in B Flat Major, Op. 18 : I. Allegro ma non troppo 13:51
2.
String Sextet No. 1 in B Flat Major, Op. 18 : II. Andante, ma moderato 10:19
3.
String Sextet No. 1 in B Flat Major, Op. 18 : III. Scherzo. Allegro molto 03:18
4.
String Sextet No. 1 in B Flat Major, Op. 18 : IV. Rondo. Poco allegretto e grazioso 09:14
5.
Theme and Variations in D Minor, Op. 18b 11:04

about

The string Sextet genre was introduced at the end of the 18th century by Boccherini but did not fully blossom until Brahms and Tchaikovsky, before Schönberg, Reger, Martinu and Richard Strauss. We probably owe the first Brahms Sextet (1859) to the example of Spohr. Nicknamed ‘Frühling-Sextett’ (Spring Sextet) by the critics of the time and arousing Clara Schumann’s enthusiasm, it does not conceal the influence of the great Viennese masters, from Schubert in the Andante, Beethoven in the Scherzo, and even Haydn in the major theme of the Finale. There is not yet anything symphonic in this form that Brahms adjusted to the classical references of chamber music, like the early version for octet of his Opus 11 Serenade, which would be orchestrated only to pay the rent. Clara Schumann begged Brahms for a piano transcription of the noble slow movement, and he complied with the Theme and Variations in D minor. The stern, rather archaic theme and the rigid adherence of all the ensuing six variations suggest a debt to Bach and especially to his D minor Chaconne for solo violin. But equally these variations so transform the theme, and are so rich in their contrasted sonorities, that they completely transcend the strictness of the form.

Awards: Choc by Le Monde de la Musique, Recommended by Classica, Recommended by Répertoire, 5 by Diapason

"The excellent Kocian Quartet enlarged by the no less excellent violist and cellist of Pražák Quartet offers interpretations of an enthusiastic strength and of an exceptional stylistic rightness. Perfects in the flight of the melody, in the airing of the counterpoint and of the polyphony, in rhythmical pulsation and in richness of tones." (Le Monde de la Musique, Juillet 1998)

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credits

released January 1, 2002

Kocian Quartet (Ensemble)
Josef Klusoň (Viola)
Michal Kaňka (Cello)
Jean-François Heisser (Piano)

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all rights reserved

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