The finale of Brahms's Piano Quartet in G minor, Op. 25, features 'unbridled gypsy music' and an extravagant piano cadenza that seems to parody Liszt.
Performer Biography
The Leopold String Trio, formed in 1991, was chosen as the British representative for the ECHO 'Rising Stars' scheme for the 2001-02 season, leading to debut recitals at major venues worldwide.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms hinted that his Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60, could be a musical illustration of Goethe's novel Werther, whose protagonist commits suicide due to unrequited love.
Recording & Production
The Piano Quartets were recorded in Wathen Hall, St Paul's School, London, in July 2005, and the Intermezzi were recorded in Henry Wood Hall, London, in December 2005.
Composition History
Brahms began an ambitious Piano Quartet in C sharp minor in 1855-56, but set it aside for nearly twenty years before completing it as the Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60.
Composer Biography
The Intermezzi Op. 117, written in Brahms's final creative phase, were composed with Clara Schumann in mind and were described by Brahms as 'three lullabies for my sorrows'.
Performer Biography
Marc-André Hamelin, the pianist on this album, was the only classical artist to play live at the 2001 Grammy Awards ceremony.
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