Piano Quartet in A Major, op. 26 (urtext); Johannes Brahms (G. Henle Verlag)

Piano Quartet in A Major, Op.26 for violin, viola, cello, and piano by Johannes Brahms

Includes parts and piano score. Urtext edition by Hanspeter Krellmann. Published by Henle

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was a significant German composer whose music is often considered to represent the apex of 19th century romanticism. He aligned himself with baroque and classical traditions with his structural coherence and contrapuntal mastery, yet he was also considered a progressive in his freer treatment of dissonance, rhythm, and motivic development. His music is known for its meticulous, intelligent craft, as well as its uniquely introspective and tender emotional core.

Brahms, no doubt emboldened by the rapturous reception to his first piano quartet, quickly followed it up with a companion piece, his Piano Quartet in A Major, Op.26 (1863). It is a broader piece and approaches symphonic dimensions—at 50 minutes in length, it is Brahms's longest chamber work (and one of the longest piano quartets in the repertory). He replaces the boldness of its predecessor with unhurried restraint and rich subtleties of detail and design, characterized by a tranquil, Schubertian lyricism. It closes once again with a lively finale in the Hungarian style. This premium Henle urtext edition contains critical and historical commentary. Includes parts and piano score. Advanced level, Grade 5.