Hagen Quartet

Grieg & Brahms: Introspective / Retrospective

The Hagen String quartet is an Austrian group which, to me, represents the very finest in performers of the string quartet repertoire. The balance, the sensitivity of phrasing, the musicality of these four players is second to none. And the eye contact that these four people have with each other brings about a level of accuracy and intimacy which is really wonderful.

On this CD we hear the following:

Brahms:

  • Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115

Jörg Widmann (clarinet)
Grieg:

  • String Quartet in G minor, Op. 27

Performed by the Hagen Quartet

The Hagen Quartet, winner of the Echo Klassik Award 2011, presents a second album commemorating its 30th anniversary on the Myrios Classics label. The disc combines two works, which are particularly revealing as regards the emotions of their composers: Edvard Grieg’s introspective String Quartet, Op. 27, and Johannes Brahms’ retrospective legacy, the Clarinet Quintet, Op. 115, masterfully performed with Jörg Widmann.

Track Listings:

1. Grieg String Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 27: Un poco Andante – Allegro molto ed agitato
2. Grieg String Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 27: Romanza: Andantino – Allegro agitato
3. Grieg String Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 27: Intermezzo: Allegro molto marcato – Più vivo e scherzando
4. Grieg String Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 27: Finale: Lento – Presto al saltarello

5. Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115: Allegro
6. Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115: Adagio
7. Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115: Andantino
8. Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115: Con moto

Here is the Edvard Grieg String Quartet in G minor, Op. 27

 

 

 

And here is a wonderful performance by the Hagen Quartet of the Mozart Clarinet Quintet, with Sabine Meyer as soloist:

 

 

Tags: Hagen Quartet, Grieg, Brahms

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