Johannes Brahms: Sextet, Op 18

On this CD:

1. String Sextet No. 1 in B flat major, Op. 18
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Pablo Casals, Madeline Foley, Milton Katims, Alexander Schneider, Isaac Stern, Milton Thomas

Johannes Brahms: Sextet, Op 18, Music, Madeline Foley, Pablo Casals, Johannes Brahms, Milton Katims, Milton Thomas, Alexander Schneider, Isaac Stern, Chamber, Classical, Classical Music, Sextet for Six String Instruments

Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets
Average customer rating:

Very Good, but beware technical problems

This is how all Brahms should be played!

Mastery and joy

9 CDs with THE AMADEUS: WHAT A BARGAN!

Exquisite music performed with exquisite artistry

Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets
Karl Leister , Johannes Brahms , Christoph Eschenbach , Cecil Aronowitz , Norbert Brainin , Siegmund Nissel , and Amadeus Quartet
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00008RWRG
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Customer Reviews:

Very Good, but beware technical problems.......2007-05-26

Overall, I really enjoy these pieces. The playing is good, and the sound is quite live, which I enjoy. My favorite piece is the Quintet in G Major Op.111, though the sextet in Bb is a close second. I am a perfectionist, and my familiarity with these pieces led me to be a little dissapointed, which is why there is only 4 stars. My dissapointment stems from two facts:
1. In the first movement of the Brahms G Major Op.111, the string quintet elects not to take the repeat in m.56, so you will never hear the first ending on this recording and thus only get one shot at the awesome cello opening. I haven't listened closely enough to the other pieces on this set to discern if they avoided other repeats or not, but for the most part, they appear to be there.

2. There are technical printing problems. Though the recording is so live that you can hear the breath of the musicians and their fingers fall on the strings, there are some actual technical pops in the recording. Perhaps it was a transfer problem from analog to digital, as the recordings are old. Most of these pops are minor, but they are dissapointing for an audiophile such as myself. My CDs are pristine (no scratches at all), and even the first time playing them these pops were there. So, here's the list of what I've found thus far:

CD 3:
Track 6: Pops & clicks at 1:19 & 1:22.

CD 5:
Track 1: Pops at 6:01.
Track 2: Pops & clicks at 0:13, 3:56, & 6:16.
Track 5: Pop at 12:07.
Track 7: Pop & clicks at 6:11, 7:45, 7:51-7:52 (these are quite noticable), 7:59, 8:03, 8:11.
Track 8: Pop at 7:34.

It is a well-played set; hopefully they will get the printing correct on the next batch.

This is how all Brahms should be played!.......2007-02-14

There isn't much to say about this set, but I'll say what there is to say: These players play the Brahms chamber music here with such emotion, musical understanding, and overall perfection that this set should be made into a must for all Brahms chamber music lovers. The Amadeus quartet, along with all of the other performers, including Eschenbach on the piano and Leister on the clarinet, really know what they're doing and play it so beautifully that the listener will want to hear the pieces again and again until the CD player is practically worn out. These Brahms works are some of the most sublime works of the later 19th century. For such quality music and great sound, especially for having been recorded in the 1960's, the price is also great. I recommend this set very highly, and hope you decide to get and enjoy it as much as I do.

Mastery and joy.......2006-12-12

Because they lasted such a long time and toward the end didn't play at their best, I found reasons to overlook the Madeus Qt. But in this 9-CD set of the complete chamber music of Brahms, there are some sublime performances--I would especially point to both String Sextets, for example. In every instance the style of the Amadeus is full of vibrancy and joy, and their ensemble isn't baased on technical perfection but rather a kinship of musical taste and feeling (this puts them poles apart from the Emerson Qt., for me at least). I also love the Brahms chamber performances on Sony with Yo-Yo Ma, Isaac Stern, emanuel Ax, and friends, but this DG set is altogether sweeter and more lyrical.

Since Amazon neglects to list the additional players who join the Amadeus for the works that aren't soely for a string quartet, here's the run-down from Tower:

1. Quartet for Strings no 1 in C minor, Op. 51 no 1
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet

2. Quartet for Strings no 2 in A minor, Op. 51 no 2
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet

3. Quartet for Strings no 3 in B flat major, Op. 67
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet

4. Quintet for Piano and Strings in F minor, Op. 34
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Eschenbach, Christoph

5. Quintet for Strings no 1 in F major, Op. 88
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Aronowitz, Cecil

6. Quintet for Strings no 2 in G major, Op. 111
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Aronowitz, Cecil

7. Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano in A minor, Op. 114
Performer: Leister, Karl; Eschenbach, Christoph; Donderer, Georg

8. Quintet for Clarinet and Strings in B minor, Op. 115
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Leister, Karl

9. Sextet for Strings no 1 in B flat major, Op. 18
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Aronowitz, Cecil; Pleeth, William

10. Sextet for Strings no 2 in G major, Op. 36
Ensemble: Amadeus String Quartet
Performer: Aronowitz, Cecil; Pleeth, William

9 CDs with THE AMADEUS: WHAT A BARGAN!.......2005-10-04

This is a really nice set at a bargan price.

Exquisite music performed with exquisite artistry.......2005-05-20

All the passion, majesty, pathos, and soul of his symphonies is in these 10 works of chamber music by Brahms:

3 string quartets;
2 string quintets;
2 string sextets;
a quintet for piano, 2 violins, viola, and violoncello;
a trio for piano, clarinet, and violoncello;
and a quintet for clarinet, 2 violins, viola, and violoncello.

All this wealth of extraordinary music is in a 5 CD set, performed by one of the finest chamber music ensembles in the world, with the added artistry of Christoph Eschenbach (piano), Cecil Aronowitz (viola), and Karl Leister (clarinet).

One CD is 50' 36 in length, 2 are in the low 60's, and 2 are in the low 70's.

I have an inexpensive CD player, but this music emerges from it with the sharpness of etched glass, the smoothness of warmed honey, and the softness of rivers of silver in moonlight.

This is music to celebrate the joy and the pathos of life, played with soul, sensitivity, and power. Buy it and treasure this gift to yourself.

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1; Piano Sonata No. 3; Rhapsodies, Op. 79; Piano Pieces, Opp. 117-119

Average customer rating:

New Compilation By Brahms' Best Interpreter

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1; Piano Sonata No. 3; Rhapsodies, Op. 79; Piano Pieces, Opp. 117-119

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Robert Schumann: Radu Lupu - Kinderszenen/Kreisleriana/Humoreske

ASIN: B000BVEKK4
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Andante Espressivo-Andante Molto
III. Scherzo: Allegro Energico
IV. Intermezzo (Ruckblick): Andante Molto
V. Finale: Allegro Moderato Ma Rubato
Theme And Variations In D Minor

Tracks:

I. Agitato In B Minor
II. Molto Passionato, Ma Non Troppo Allegro In E Flat Major
I. Andante Moderato In E Flat Major
II. Andante Non Troppo E Con Molto Espressione In B Flat Minor
III. Andante Con Moto In C Sharp Minor
I. Intermezzo: Allegro Non Assai, Ma Molto Appassionato In A Minor
II. Intermezzo: Andante Teneramente In A Major
III. Ballade: Allegro Energico In G Minor
IV. Intermezzo: Allegretto Un Poco Agitato In F Minor
V. Romanze: Andante In F Major
Intermezzo: Andante, Largo E Mesto In E Flat Minor
I. Intermezzo: Adagio In B Minor
II. Intermezzo: Andantino Un Poco Agitato In E Minor
III. Intermezzo: Grazioso E Giocoso In C Major
IV. Rhapsody: Allegro Risoluto In E Flat Major

Tracks:

I. Maestoso
II. Adagio
III. Rondo: Allegro Non Troppo

Customer Reviews:

New Compilation By Brahms' Best Interpreter.......2006-01-22

Wow, I have the honor of breaking in the review line on this 3-CD set! Here we have Radu Lupu's entire recorded output of Brahms' piano music, all from 1971-81. CD 1 (like CD 2) was previously released as a single CD, so be sure you're not duplicating your collection. CD 3 is a previously out-of-print recording of Concerto Nr. 1 with the London PO conducted by Edo de Waart. I'll address this first. I had never heard Lupu's concerto, and, as an unremitting Lupu fan, I had high hopes. He plays the socks off the thing as I envisioned. However, de Waart and the London PO aren't quite up to Lupu's standards, and a tug-of-war at times threatens the proceeedings. It seems Lupu wants to push ahead in tutti passages, then wants to luxuriate in solo moments--perfectly Brahmsian, I think, if de Waart would only allow him. Also the strings just play with sloppy intonation and execution. One wishes for Jochum's Berlin Phil. to come to Lupu's aid here! Having said that, I will likely keep this right up there with my Gilels version, if only to hear again and again Mr. Lupu's poetry and passion.
As for the other 2 discs (CD1: Sonata Nr.3, Theme and Var. in d minor; CD2: 2 Rhapsodies Op.79, 3 Intermezzos Op.117, 6 Piano Pieces Op.118, 4 Piano Pieces Op.119), I rate his playing to be the best I've heard of these works. If you think he's got the more wistful, roaming Brahms down, you may be surprised to hear his Op. 5 Sonata, where his architecture rivals Richter. I think Lupu just GETS Brahms, more so than anyone else. I feel the same way about Brendel and Schubert.
This 3-CD set makes a wonderful intro to Brahms piano music; if you only wish to own one, this would be a terrific choice!
* * * * 1/2 stars (because of the concerto)

Average customer rating:

The "Clinker" of the bunch

Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00062FLIS
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

The "Clinker" of the bunch.......2006-12-19

Having collected the entire "The Masterworks" series (including the Bach and Mozart Complete Works) this set is the 'clinker' of the bunch. First off... 6 CD's of Lieder 'historic' (pre-historic) recordings. No Overtures, No Orchestral Seranades, No Haydn Variations?? The performances of the Symphonies and the Concertos are shakey and not very well recorded. Brilliant Classics, who has done such a wonderful job with the Hadyn Complete Symphonies (licensed from Nimbus), the Mozart and Bach Complete sets, has stumbled a bit with this release.

Average customer rating:

Worthwhile, especially if you like Brahms

Brahms: Complete Piano Music

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mendelssohn: Complete Piano Music
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Works for Solo Piano
Liszt: Piano Works
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ASIN: B0000037BE
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Son No.1 In C, Op.1: I. Allegro
Son No.1 In C, Op.1: II. Andante
Son No.1 In C, Op.1: III. Scherzo: Allegro Molto E Con Fuoco
Son No.1 In C, Op.1: IV. Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco
Scherzo In E Flat, Op. 4
Son No.2 In F#, Op.2: I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Ma Energico
Son No.2 In F#, Op.2: II. Andante Con Espressione
Son No.2 In F#, Op.2: III. Scherzo & Trio: Allegro-Poco Piu Moderato
Son No.2 In F#, Op.2: IV. Finale: Introduzione: Sostenuto-Allegro Non Troppo E Rubato
Study For The Left Hand (Inpromptu By Schubert, D. 899 No.2)
Study No.1 (Etude After Chopin, Op.25 No.2)
Study No.2 (Rondo After Weber, Op.24)

Tracks:

Four Ballades Op.10: No.1 Andante-Allegro-Andante
Four Ballades Op.10: No.2 Andante-Allegro Non Troppo-Andante
Four Ballades Op.10: No.3 Intermezzo: Allegro
Four Ballades Op.10: No.4 Andante Con Moto-Piu Lento-Tempo I
Vars On A Theme Of Robert Schumann, Op.9: Theme And Vars I-VI
Vars On A Theme Of Robert Schumann, Op.9: Vars VII-XVI
Son No.3 in f, Op.5: Allegro Maestoso
Son No.3 in f, Op.5: Andante: Andante Espressivo
Son No.3 in f, Op.5: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro Energico
Son No.3 in f, Op.5: Intermezzo: Andante Molto
Son No.3 in f, Op.5: Finale: Allegro Moderato Ma Rubato

Tracks:

Theme And Vars In D (From The Second Movt Of The Str Sxt, Op.18): Andante, Ma Moderato
Vars On An Original Theme Op.21, No.1: Theme And Vars I-VII
Vars On An Original Theme Op.21, No.1: Vars VIII-XI
Vars On A Hungarian Song, Op.21, No.2: Theme And Vars I-XIII
Sarabande In A
Gigue In A
Sarabande In B
Gigue In B
Vars And Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Aria And Vars I-XV
Vars And Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Vars XVI-XXV
Vars And Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Fuga

Tracks:

Vars On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.35: Book I
Vars On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.35: Book II
16 Waltzes, Op.39: I-VIII
16 Waltzes, Op.39: IX-XVI
Hungarian Dances: I. Allegro
Hungarian Dances: II. Allegro Non Assai
Hungarian Dances: III. Allegretto
Hungarian Dances: IV. Poco Sostenuto
Hungarian Dances: V. Allegro
Hungarian Dances: VI. Vivace
Hungarian Dances: VII. Allegretto
Hungarian Dances: VIII. Presto
Hungarian Dances: IX. Allegro
Hungarian Dances: X. Presto
Gavotte By Chr. W. Gluck

Tracks:

Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: I. Capriccio: Un Poco Agitato
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: II. Capriccio: Allegretto Non Troppo
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: III. Intermezzo: Grazioso
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: IV. Intermezzo: Allegretto Grazioso
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: V. Capriccio: Agitato, Ma Non Troppo Presto
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: VI. Intermezzo: Andante Con Moto
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: VII. Intermezzo: Moderato Semplice
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: VIII. Capriccio: Grazioso Ed Un Poco Vivace
Two Rhaps, Op.79: I. Agitato
Two Rhaps, Op.79: II. Molto Passionato, Ma Non Troppo Allegro
Study No.5 Chanonne by J.S. Bach)
Study No.3 (Presto After J.S. Bach, Version 1)
Sarabande And Two Gavottes
Kanon
Kanon (Inverted)
Study No.4 (Presto After J.S. Bach, Version 2)
Kleine Klavierstucke

Tracks:

Fants, Op.116: I. Capriccio: Presto Energico
Fants, Op.116: II. Intermezzo: Andante
Fants, Op.116: III. Capriccio: Allegro Passionato
Fants, Op.116: IV. Intermezzo: Adagio
Fants, Op.116: V. Intermezzo: Andante Con Grazia Ed Intimissimo Sentimento
Fants, Op.116: VI. Intermezzo: Andantino Teneramente
Fants, Op.116: VII. Capriccio: Allegro Agitato
Klavierstucke, Op.117: I. Intermezzo: Andante Moderato
Klavierstucke, Op.117: II. Intermezzo: Andante Non Troppo E Con E Con Molto Espressione
Klavierstucke, Op.117: III. Intermezzo: Andante Con Moto
Klavierstucke, Op.118: I. Intermezzo: Allegro Non Assai, Ma Molto Appassionata
Klavierstucke, Op.118: II. Intermezzo: Andante Teneramente
Klavierstucke, Op.118: III. Ballade: Allegro Energico
Klavierstucke, Op.118: IV. Intermezzo: Allegretto Un Poco Agitato
Klavierstucke, Op.118: V. Romance: Andante
Klavierstucke, Op.118: VI. Intermezzo: Andante, Largo E Mesto
Klavierstucke, Op.119: I. Intermezzo: Adagio
Klavierstucke, Op.119: II. Intermezzo: Andantino
Klavierstucke, Op.119: III. Intermezzo: Grazioso E Giocoso
Klavierstucke, Op.119: IV. Rhap: Allegro Risoluto

Customer Reviews:

Worthwhile, especially if you like Brahms.......2000-02-28

Johannes Brahms was one of the key figures in Romantic Piano Music. His output for the instrument was varied and large, and this four-disc set is ample testament to that output. As it was with their complete Beethoven Sonatas set (by Bernard Roberts), so it it here: Nimbus have enlisted a fine artist with a good command of the piano to record all of Brahms' solo piano music, and whilst I am not a Brahms addict myself, I am sure it will give great pleasure to collectors and serious Brahms fans.

I could offer a critique of all the works on these discs, but it is enough to single out a particular highlight. Martin Jones is particularly stunning with his rendition of the Hungarian Dances (which in their piano solo versions are not easy at all). The recording quality throughout is superb, enhancing the subtleties of Jones' performance.

All in all this is a worthwhile purchase. If anything, it is perfect for discovering Brahms in perhaps his most 'comfortable' genre. I should say that I came across this recording in the course of studying Romantic Piano Music for A-levels, and for that purpose it was invaluable.

Brahms: String Sextets Nos. 1 & 2
Average customer rating:

two sublime sextets

Brahms: String Sextets Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 1993-10-20

Tracks:

String Sextet No. 1 In B Flat Major, Op. 18: l. Allegro ma non troppo
String Sextet No. 1 In B Flat Major, Op. 18: ll. Andente, ma moderato
String Sextet No. 1 In B Flat Major, Op. 18: lll. Scherzo, allegro molto - Trio. Animato
String Sextet No. 1 In B Flat Major, Op. 18: lV. Rondo. Poco allegretto e grazioso
String Sextet No. 2 In G Major, Op. 36: l. Allegro non troppo
String Sextet No. 2 In G Major, Op. 36: ll. Scherzo. allegro non troppo - presto giocoso - tempo primo
String Sextet No. 2 In G Major, Op. 36: lll. Adagio
String Sextet No. 2 In G Major, Op. 36: lV. Poco allegro

Customer Reviews:

two sublime sextets.......2000-04-28

I have heard many recordings of the Brahms string sextets, and this is by far the best interpretation I have encountered. Brahms's signature sound -- lyrical, masculine, Germanic, unique -- infuses every phrase. Tempo and dynamics are exceptional, as is the always-important sense that we are listening to a single performer. This is harder to achieve with a sextet than with a quartet, but the players sound like one.

Johannes Brahms: String Sextet Nos. 1 & 2

Average customer rating:

Excellent Performances and Recording of Great Chamber Works
Solid Brahms

Johannes Brahms: String Sextet Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002ZKC
Release Date: 1993-02-16

Tracks:

String Sextet No. 1 In B Flat Major, Op. 18: Allegro ma non troppo
String Sextet No. 1 In B Flat Major, Op. 18: Andante, ma moderato
String Sextet No. 1 In B Flat Major, Op. 18: Scherzo: Allegro molto
String Sextet No. 1 In B Flat Major, Op. 18: Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso
String Sextet No. 2 In G Major, Op. 36: Allegro non troppo
String Sextet No. 2 In G Major, Op. 36: Scherzo: Allegro non troppo
String Sextet No. 2 In G Major, Op. 36: Poco adagio
String Sextet No. 2 In G Major, Op. 36: Poco allegro

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Performances and Recording of Great Chamber Works.......2006-04-10

The two Brahms string sextets, Opp. 18 and 26, are among the glories of Brahms's chamber music. People who don't particularly like chamber music tend to like these because of the fuller sound obtained from six string instruments. Indeed, one friend said that it sounded like a string orchestra, a sound he particularly liked, and 'not that scrawny fiddling you get with string quartets.' I don't endorse that view of string quartets, but I certainly understand what he meant.

As a regular attendee at the Aspen Music Festival for almost forty years, I have heard a number of performances of each of these works. They are favorites of players, amateurs and professionals alike. And I have several recordings of the sextets. I like this one by the Raphael Ensemble as well as any of them. It was their very first recording; they were young London musicians at the time. They went on to record the two String Quintets equally well. Hyperion has given them extremely lifelike sound.

This recording is a winner. One knows from the very first few bars that the music is in the hands of a solid, musicianly group and that the recording will be satisfying. After all these years -- the CD came out in 1989 -- it is still the one I reach for most often.

Scott Morrison

Solid Brahms.......2000-01-30

This is an excellent performance. The sound is clean but still full and solid. They understand Brahms. Of the five recordings I have of the Sextets, this one is the best.

Johannes Brahms: Sextet No. 1/Piano Trio No. 1

Average customer rating:

Most Passionate performance
An Historic Performance of the Highest Mega-Wattage!
A transcendent Brahms sextet

Johannes Brahms: Sextet No. 1/Piano Trio No. 1

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 1994-02-22

Tracks:

I. Sextet In B-Flat Major - B-dur - en si bemol, Op. 18: I. Allegro ma non troppo
I. Sextet In B-Flat Major - B-dur - en si bemol, Op. 18: II. Andante, ma moderato
I. Sextet In B-Flat Major - B-dur - en si bemol, Op. 18: III. Scherzo. Allegretto molto
I. Sextet In B-Flat Major - B-dur - en si bemol, Op. 18: IV. Rondo. Poco allegretto e grazioso
II. Piano Trio No. 1 In B Major - H-dur - en si, Op. 8: I. Allegro con brio
II. Piano Trio No. 1 In B Major - H-dur - en si, Op. 8: II. Scherzo. Allegro molto
II. Piano Trio No. 1 In B Major - H-dur - en si, Op. 8: III. Adagio
II. Piano Trio No. 1 In B Major - H-dur - en si, Op. 8: IV. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Most Passionate performance.......2007-01-27

I have collected several CD performances of the Brahms Sextet #1 and this one is the most passionate, especially in the second movement when Pablo Casals's warm and deep cello leads everyone on. Working very well together the musicians reveal many of the sublime Germanic feelings in the piece not heard elsewhere.
The group picks up the lyrical notes and runs with them right to the finish.
Truly a masterpiece and my favorite version of those available right now.

An Historic Performance of the Highest Mega-Wattage!.......2003-06-28

I've owned three copies of this recording of the first Brahms string sextet, the first two on LPs that I wore out from playing so often. When I saw, by chance, that it had been reissued, along with the first Brahms piano trio, on CD, my heart skipped a beat. Let me explain:

The Op. 18 Sextet was my first Brahms chamber music; I bought it in the 1950s when I was a teenager just beginning to collect LPs. A fellow student recommended this recording and when I got it I immediately fell in love--with both the piece and the performance. It didn't take me long to wear it out. I bought a second copy in the early 1960s. I probably was last able to listen to it in the late 1970s; by then playing it sounded like a a family of mice were sandpapering the inside of my speakers.

I've since owned performances of the Sextets by at least four groups--Les Musiciens; a group of Italian string players led by violinist Giuliano Carmignola; The Raphael Ensemble; and a group of Boston Symphony players (my favorite besides this one). But I was 'imprinted' on this performance. Hearing it again, I understand why. For one thing, this Prades Festival group plays it more slowly and with greater warmth; still the Scherzo and the Rondo manage to sound, as Nicolas Slonimsky once said, euphoniously euphorious. The high point, though, as always, is that dazzling set of variations on one of Brahms's most gorgeous tunes, the second movement Andante. As I was listening to it again after all these years, when they got to the cello solo variation, about two minutes from the end of the movement, I found I was suddenly in tears: Casals' ability to sing that tune in a whisper still has that effect on me. Indeed, I defy anyone to hear that passage and remained unmoved.

Let's talk about the musicians participating in the Sextet. They are names to conjure with: Isaac Stern (then only 30), Alexander Schneider (the much-loved 'Sascha,' of the Budapest Quartet and leading light of the Marlboro Festival), Milton Katims (Toscanini's favorite violist, later a wonderful conductor), Milton Thomas (Stokowski's principal violist), Madeline Foley (ah, what an unsung heroine of the cello; she, too, was a fixture at Marlboro, but her career was mostly in teaching), and finally Pau Casals, about whose playing nothing can be added. But as a musical mover and shaker, Casals is of sainted memory. It's not often recalled that early in the 20th-century Brahms wasn't highly regarded outside the German-speaking countries. Casals was one who INSISTED on playing Brahms (another such was Arthur Rubinstein), and indeed he would even sit in the orchestra and play the cello solo in third movement the Second Piano Concerto, something a world-famous soloist wouldn't ordinarily do.

About the Piano Trio, Op. 8: the musicians here are also fabled. Get this: Dame Myra Hess, piano; Isaac Stern, violin; Pau Casals, cello. Oh my. Oh my. Such music-making. And such music. Again, the opening theme of the Trio is one of Brahms most memorable. These three musicians embrace the music (and, figuratively, each other) to make the performance gemütlich, passionate, yearningly romantic.

Both these pieces were recorded at the 1952 Prades Festival, also of fabled memory. What I wouldn't have given to have been there.

So, for those who want truly magnificent historic performances ven though in old sound, this may be the one for you. And thank goodness we can't wear out CDs!

In case, you didn't catch on, I heartily recommend this one.

Scott Morrison

A transcendent Brahms sextet.......2002-06-08

I have never heard a performance of this sextet that projects the warmth, humanity and glowing intensity of this one, now in clean mono sound. Get this (and in addition, Casals and company's likewise wonderful account of the great Schubert string quintet, also on Sony) and be deeply moved by their truly special way of music making.

Average customer rating:

Brahms: String Sextets Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00005RHIA
Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

Str Sxt No.1 in B flat, Op.18: I. Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Str Sxt No.1 in B flat, Op.18: II. Andante, Ma Moderato
Str Sxt No.1 in B flat, Op.18: III. Scherzo (Allegro Molto) & Trio (Animato)
Str Sxt No.1 in B flat, Op.18: IV. Rondo (Poco Allegretto E Grazioso)
Str Sxt No.2 in G, Op.36: I. Allegro Non Troppo
Str Sxt No.2 in G, Op.36: II. Scherzo (Allegro Non Troppo - Presto Giocoso)
Str Sxt No.2 in G, Op.36: III. Poco Adagio
Str Sxt No.2 in G, Op.36: IV. Poco Allegro

Average customer rating:

It was Casals moaning!!
Not to be missed
A Brahms masterpiece

Johannes Brahms: Sextet, Op 18

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000026PG
Release Date: 1992-07-28

Tracks:

Sextet For 2 Violins, 2 Violas And 2 Cellos In B-Flat Major, Op.18: I. Allegro ma non troppo
Sextet For 2 Violins, 2 Violas And 2 Cellos In B-Flat Major, Op.18: II. Andante, ma moderato
Sextet For 2 Violins, 2 Violas And 2 Cellos In B-Flat Major, Op.18: III. Scherzo. Allegro molto - Trio. Animato
Sextet For 2 Violins, 2 Violas And 2 Cellos In B-Flat Major, Op.18: IV. Rondo. Poco allegretto e grazioso

Customer Reviews:

It was Casals moaning!!.......1999-07-07

Casals was a famous moaner. I laughed out loud when I read the review complaining about the strange "moaning" sound. Any Casals fan thrills to the depths of his soul when he hears Casals' wonderful endearing moaning.

Not to be missed.......1998-10-27

Decades ago I had this recording on vinyl. The stylus must have gone through the grooves because I played it so much. It was this recording that acquainted me with the Brahms Sextets and I have, of course, acquired others since then so it was really nostalgia that made me buy this one. There is still no one like Don Pablo who can turn such a limpid phrase and break your heart with four or five notes. This is great ensemble work with a wonderful balance, played masterfully by experienced chamber music musicians. That having been said, some of the criticisms of the previous reviewer are true. Casals was a groaner, as he is on this recording and on the Schumann concerto. He is not alone. Glenn Gould and Erroll Garner come to mind as similarly afflicted. Personally I find it endearing. I tried to hear the "loud talking" in the second and third movement and could not. Yes, the technical side of the recording leaves something to be desired, but it was, after all, recorded in 1952. It is one of the finest recordings of this work and historic to boot.

A Brahms masterpiece.......1997-03-01

Any classical buff will know that a recording of a major Romantic work with such performers as Isaac Stern and Pablo Casals is something NOT to be missed. The powerful sweeping emotion is evident, from the opening 'cello melody which Casals executes with such blissful abandon that one is immediately struck by the powerful nature of the piece. Unfortunately, due to the poor quality of the recording equipment of the time, there are several instances, usually when the music reaches a climax, when moaning can be clearly heard, whether it be from the performers or the individuals in the recording booth. It is a great disappointment that such a wonderful recording, full of passion, and that such a wonderful piece, full of emotion, becomes disrupted. Just as the music hits a brilliant climax, there is a loud, audible groaning of some sort, not to mention the continual talking in the background that can be heard throughout the second and third movements. Overall, if you really think that you can not be bothered by talking (not subtle, difficult to discern, but rather Loud and VERY apparent) then try this version of the Brahms sextet out. There are others with Ma, Stern, Tree and Laredo, in addition to the Amadeus' quartet's version, both of which are, quite naturally, different interpretations and unfortunately, not as expressive as this one. Another difficulty is the studio or recital hall where they perform. The accoustics are poor, and sound seems to be sucked away without resouning as it should with chamber music, allowing for a flowing, mellow feeling that is so much associated properly with Brahms. This is a good recording to buy at a reasonable cost (not many cd's are availible these days at $11.95 (us currency). However, if it is a piece you would want to hear clearly and without interruption, try another version. END