Braunfels: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the profound and introspective world of Walter Braunfels' chamber music with this captivating album featuring his String Quartets Nos. 1 and 2. Composed during the tumultuous years of 1933-1945, these quartets are a testament to Braunfels' remarkable compositional maturity, showcasing his unique voice and deep artistic vision. The String Quartet No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 60, and the String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, Op. 61, are performed with exquisite precision and sensitivity by the Auryn Quartet, making this a recording premiere that stands out in the realm of classical music.

This album offers a rare opportunity to explore the intricate and expressive compositions of Walter Braunfels, a composer whose works have often been overshadowed by his contemporaries. The four movements of each quartet are masterfully crafted, ranging from the contemplative and slow to the lively and energetic, providing a rich and varied listening experience. The String Quartet No. 1 opens with an "Allegro moderato" that sets a somber yet hopeful tone, while the String Quartet No. 2 begins with a vibrant "Allegro" that immediately engages the listener.

Recorded in 2000 by the esteemed label CPO, this album is a treasure trove for fans of chamber music and those seeking to discover the hidden gems of the classical repertoire. With a total duration of 59 minutes, it is a compact yet profound collection that highlights the depth and breadth of Braunfels' musical genius. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

1 januari 2000

2000 CPO

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.