Brahms, Johannes - String Quintet No. 2 in G major op. 111

Just like its sister work, Opus 88, completed in 1882, Brahms's second string quintet was also finished eight years later in the relaxed atmosphere of summer in Bad Ischl. After its first practical performance in Vienna in October 1890, which Brahms described to his friend Clara Schumann as "not unpleasant," the final touches were made in collaboration with fellow musicians like Joseph Joachim, before Brahms sent the score and parts to his publisher Simrock for printing at the end of the year. With its partly orchestral richness and the characteristic, captivating rhythm typical of Brahms, this cheerful work quickly won the hearts of both listeners and performers, even though it presents considerable demands on the latter. The Henle Urtext edition is based on the New Brahms Complete Edition, for which editor Kathrin Kirsch consulted not only the first editions but also all autograph sources. Equipped with an informative preface, this new Urtext edition now provides the optimal foundation for approaching this gem of Brahms's chamber music.