Brahms, J.: String Quintet No. 2 / Clarinet Quintet in B Minor

Featuring

David Shifrin
Chamber Music Northwest
Johannes Brahms

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Composer Biography

Johannes Brahms, a romantic who feared marriage, remained a bachelor and rejected important conducting posts to preserve his 'urge to freedom'.

Composition History

Brahms's retirement was premature; he was inspired to compose the Clarinet Quintet, Op. 115, after hearing clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld play in 1891.

Composition History

In his final decade, when he was recognized as the greatest composer of his time, Brahms turned almost exclusively to chamber music.

Composer's Artistic Vision

The addition of the clarinet to Brahms's works, particularly for Richard Mühlfeld, brought a unique warmth and richness of color to his style.

Composition History

Brahms initially intended to retire from composing in 1890, telling his publisher, Fritz Simrock, that it was 'high time to stop' after sending an alteration to his String Quintet, Op. 111.

Critical Reception

Brahms's Clarinet Quintet, Op. 115, was a tremendous success, receiving fifty performances in its first two years and helping him regain the friendship of Clara Schumann.