Brahms composed the Trio Op. 114 and the Clarinet Quintet Op. 115 with unusual speed during the summer of 1891, after abandoning his earlier resolution to stop composing.
Composition History
Brahms wrote the two Sonatas Op. 120 for clarinet and piano for a concert tour he planned with Richard Mühlfeld, giving Mühlfeld his author's rights and original manuscripts for the works.
Composer Biography
At 57, Johannes Brahms decided to retire from composing, informing his publisher there would be no fifth symphony.
Performer Biography
Richard Mühlfeld, the clarinetist who inspired Brahms, joined the Meiningen orchestra as a violinist at 17 and later became first clarinet and Hans von Büllow's first assistant.
Composition History
Brahms was inspired to compose the Trio Op. 114 and the Clarinet Quintet Op. 115 after hearing clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld play in May 1891.
Composer Biography
Brahms was a well-known figure, having received honorary doctorates from prestigious universities and decorations from the Emperor of Austria and King Ludwig II of Bavaria.
Notable Performances
The Clarinet Trio Op. 114 and Clarinet Quintet Op. 115 were premiered in Berlin on December 1, 1891, with Richard Mühlfeld, cellist Robert Hausmann, and Brahms himself on piano for the trio.
You might also enjoy...
Brahms: Sonatas & Trios
Brahms: Sonaten Op. 120 & Trio Op. 114
Brahms: Clarinet Sonatas Nos. 1 and 2 / Clarinet Trio
Brahms: Clarinet Sonatas & Clarinet Trio
Brahms: Two Sonatas for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 120 and Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano, Op. 114
