Braunfels: String Quartet Nos. 1 - 3; String Quintet in E-Flat Major, Op. 63 - Walter Braunfels

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, intricate world of Walter Braunfels' chamber music with this comprehensive collection, featuring his String Quartets Nos. 1-3 and the String Quintet in E-Flat Minor, Op. 63. This album, released on August 19, 2022, under the CAvi-music label, offers a deep dive into the composer's post-war works, composed between 1944 and 1947, with the final movement of the Third String Quartet added in 1953. These pieces, performed by the esteemed Minguet Quartett with additional musicians, showcase Braunfels' mastery of the string ensemble, blending lyrical melodies with complex harmonies and rhythmic vitality.

The album begins with the String Quartet No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 60, a work that reflects the composer's unique voice, shaped by his experiences and the musical landscape of his time. The second quartet, in F Major, Op. 61, follows, demonstrating Braunfels' ability to craft engaging and accessible music. The String Quintet in E-Flat Minor, Op. 63, originally written as a quartet and later expanded, is a testament to the composer's resilience and creativity during the war years. The album concludes with the String Quartet No. 3 in E Minor, Op. 67, a profound and introspective work that highlights Braunfels' deep understanding of the string quartet medium.

With a total duration of over two hours, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen for any chamber music enthusiast. The performances by the Minguet Quartett and their collaborators are marked by their technical prowess and musical sensitivity, bringing out the full expressive range of Braunfels' compositions. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Walter Braunfels or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a compelling introduction to his unique voice in the world of chamber music.

19 augustus 2022

℗ 2022 Deutschlandradio / Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

About Walter Braunfels

Walter Braunfels, born in Frankfurt in 1882, was a pivotal figure in German music, renowned for his contributions as a composer, pianist, and music educator. Hailing from a musically inclined family, Braunfels' early education was nurtured by his mother, a great-niece of the celebrated composer Louis Spohr. His formal training began with piano studies under James Kwast at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, followed by composition lessons with Ludwig Thuille in Munich. Braunfels' career flourished between the two world wars, during which he was one of the most frequently performed opera composers of his time. His notable works include the opera "The Birds," based on Aristophanes' comedy, and a rich repertoire of orchestral, chamber, and piano pieces. Despite facing adversity during the Nazi era, when his music was banned and he was labeled a "half-Jew," Braunfels' legacy endures. He also served as the founding director of the Cologne Academy of Music until 1933. His compositions, steeped in the German Classical-Romantic tradition, continue to captivate audiences with their depth and emotional resonance.