On May 11, 1895, Johannes Brahms performed this exact program at the home of the Fellinger family in Vienna, with violin virtuoso Marie Soldat-Roeger as his partner.
Performer Biography
Marie Soldat-Roeger, Brahms's partner for the 1895 performance of these works, was the first Austrian woman to achieve prominence in European concert halls.
Compositional Technique
The two Sonatas Op. 120, which marked the end of Brahms's chamber music output, are complementary in expression: the F minor sonata is bleaker and more rigid, while the E-flat major sonata is gentler and more serenade-like.
Composition History
Brahms himself rearranged his two sonatas for violin and piano, submitting them to his publisher Simrock for publication.
Interpretation
This recording features Brahms's Clarinet Quintet Op. 115 and the two Sonatas Op. 120 in arrangements for violin and piano, rather than their original scoring for clarinet.
Composition History
Brahms initially intended to conclude his compositional career in 1890 with his String Quintet No. 2, Op. 111, but was inspired to compose more works after hearing clarinettist Richard Mühlfeld.
Composition History
The arrangement of Brahms's Clarinet Quintet for violin and piano was made by Paul Klengel, a versatile musician and arranger, and was likely authorized by Brahms himself.
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