Johannes Brahms, despite his North German background, had many connections with Hungary, including touring with violinist Eduard Reményi and a lifelong friendship with violinist Joseph Joachim.
Performer Biography
Hans Mahlke, a guest violist on these recordings, was a leading Berlin violist and a member of the quartet led by Gustav Havemann, who later became a prominent Nazi musician.
Instruments
Alfred Charles Hobday, a guest violist, owned the 'ex-Villa' 1781 Giambattista Guadagnini viola.
Performer Biography
The Budapest Quartet underwent significant personnel changes, transforming from a Hungarian ensemble into a Russian one over its half-century career.
Compositional Technique
Brahms often incorporated Hungarian rhythms into his music, particularly in the final movements of his works, such as the Csárdás in the G major String Quintet.
Performer Biography
Alfred Charles Hobday, another guest violist, was an aristocratic player from a musical family whose wife, Ethel (née Sharpe), a pianist, knew Brahms well in Vienna.
Performer Biography
The Budapest Quartet was founded in 1917 by Dutch cellist Harry Son, a pupil of David Popper, along with three Hungarian colleagues.
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