The BBC was very reserved in presenting the first performances of these works in the 1930s, as Bruch's reputation was at a low point, known mainly for his G minor violin concerto.
Composition History
The String Octet in B flat major was a reworking of Bruch's third string quintet, which he evidently found unsatisfactory.
Composer Biography
Both Max Bruch and Willy Hess, the violinist who inspired Bruch's return to chamber music, had experienced the loss of a son.
Composition History
Bruch, known for violin concertos and choral music, returned to chamber music composition in 1918, a discipline he had largely ignored for decades, inspired by violinist Willy Hess.
Composer Biography
Max Bruch, the composer, celebrated his 80th birthday in 1918 amidst wartime privation, receiving honors including a medal from the Kaiser and two honorary doctorates.
Composition History
The autograph scores of Bruch's two string quintets were likely lost during wartime bombing, while the octet's autograph was found in the Austrian State Library.
Compositional Technique
Bruch's string quintets are in the 'concertante' style, featuring brilliant first violin parts and using the extra viola to bulk out the texture rather than exploiting its unique tone.
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The Romantic Room: Chamber Works by Spohr
Carter: Sonata For Flute, Oboe, Violoncello And Harpsichord / Ives: Largo For Violin, Clarinet And Piano / Porter: Quintet For Oboe And String Quartet / Dvorák: String Quintet No.2 In G Major, Op.77, B.49
