Brahms Chamber Music Cycle, Part I

The string quartet repertoire possesses what many consider to be some of the greatest masterpieces in the history of Western music, and in some cases, the greatest works created by the best composers (i.e. Beethoven, Schubert and Bartok).  Johannes Brahms, who lived in the shadow of Beethoven and Schubert, was immensely self-critical and demanding but, luckily for us, has left behind a handful of some of the most beloved chamber music works ever written, not only for string quartet, but also quintets, trios, piano quartets, and a genre which he himself created, the string sextet.  

Since the chamber music output of Brahms is quite small yet rich in substance, the Rubens Quartet is planning a long-term project to present the entire cycle in the Netherlands. In the 2012-13 season, we will be joined by Ferdinand Erblich (violist of the Parkányi Quartet), American cellist Zuill Bailey, and Georgian pianist Nino Gvetadze for a special concert in Rotterdam's De Doelen on November 17, as well as other concerts dispersed throughout the season. 

Here are the works that will be performed this season:

String Quartet in A minor, Op. 51 No. 2

String Quartet in B-flat, Op. 67

Cello Sonata in E minor, Op. 38

String Quintet in F, Op. 88

String Sextet in G, Op. 36

We hope that you will join us as we continue on our Brahms adventure!