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Perhaps the highest achievements of romantic piano quartet writing are the three quartets of Brahms. Each is a masterpiece in itself.
The first, Piano Quartet in G minor, Op. 25 is perhaps the more popular. The first movement, based on a four note figure, is rich with inventiveness and vigor. The second movement, entitled Intermezzo, has muted strings and a wistful melody played over a driving, insistent rhythm. The third movement, Andante, manages to be both stately, warm and expressive, all simultaneously. The finale, a bawdy Rondo alla Zingarese, pleases both audiences and players with its drama and fun. It has four themes, pressing onto a molto presto ending.
The recordings are up on the site.
_________________ Pianist profile of Robert
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