The impression Brahms gives of working with a new,
larger scale of conception which is at once relaxed yet taut of
musical argument is one of the miracles of the two string sextets,
works whose stature, perhaps, still has to be fully appreciated.
This is despite some fine performances that have graced the catalogue
(the Raphael Ensemble on Hyperion also provide much pleasure, for
example). Few are fresher than these performances by Hausmusik,
London, though. Part of the key to Hausmusik’s success is the fact
that they play on period instruments, which lightens textures and
lets Brahms’ supreme thematic interplay breathe with real clarity.
Far from being harsh and abrasive, Hausmusik sheds an entirely new
light on these works. Of course, a similarly clear recording helps
and Floating Earth’s efforts in this regard are exemplary.
The First Sextet, as Robert Pascall’s excellent
booklet notes point out, is in many ways a successor to Brahms’
orchestral Serenades (works which should also be accorded
more exposure). The first movement breathes real serenity, but the
second is even more impressive: note that Brahms was so enamoured
of this Andante that he arranged it for solo piano in 1860. Hausmusik
London gives it a fine, beautifully etched yet heartfelt performance
(QUOTE 1). The tiny (three-minute) Scherzo is imbued with contained
energy. The drama surfaces more obviously in the finale.
The G major Sextet inhabits a very interior world,
its aching harmonies being both disturbing yet fascinating (QUOTE
2). It was written in 1864/5, but its roots go further back than
this. Here the Scherzo is placed second, again shadowy but nevertheless
rhythmically alive (QUOTE 3). Only in the finale do we hear some
awkwardness in these otherwise excellent performances: there is
some strain felt in the accompanying violin passages. A small qualifier
to a product that will give much pleasure.
Colin Clarke
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CDTnº1 - J. BRAHMS
Sextet
No. 1 in B flat Major Op. 18 Allegro ma non troppo
Sextet
No. 1 in B flat Major Op. 18 Andante ma moderato
Sextet
No. 1 in B flat Major Op. 18 Scherzo: allegro molto
Sextet
No. 1 in B flat Major Op. 18 Rondo. Poco allegro e grazioso
Sextet
No. 2 in G Major Op. 36 Allegro non troppo
Sextet
No. 2 in G Major Op. 36 Scherzo: Allegro non troppo
Sextet
No. 2 in G Major Op. 36 Poco Adagio
Sextet
No. 2 in G Major Op. 36
Poco allegro
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