Bruch: Complete String Quartets

Dive into the rich world of Max Bruch's chamber music with this comprehensive collection of his complete string quartets. This album, released by Brilliant Classics, offers a unique opportunity to explore the lesser-known works of this renowned composer, providing a fresh perspective on his artistic evolution. Recorded by the Diogenes Quartet, these performances capture the essence of Bruch's compositions with precision and passion.

The album features a world premiere recording of Bruch's String Quartet in C Minor, Op. Posth., a work that was previously lost and is now unveiled for the first time. This quartet, composed in 1852, serves as an audition piece for entry to the Mozart-Stiftung in Frankfurt, showcasing Bruch's early mastery of the genre. Alongside this rediscovered gem, the album includes Bruch's two published string quartets, Op. 9 and Op. 10, as well as the String Quartet No. 2 in E Major, Op. 10. Each piece is performed with meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the composer's distinctive voice and innovative approach to string quartet composition.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts and those eager to discover the depth and breadth of Max Bruch's musical legacy. The performances, recorded in the acoustically superb Himmelfahrtskirche in Munich-Sendling, Germany, offer a rich and immersive listening experience. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Bruch's music or a newcomer to his works, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.

Max Bruch, born in 1838, was a prominent German Romantic composer, violinist, teacher, and conductor whose musical legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Throughout his prolific career, Bruch composed over 200 works, but it is his Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor that has secured his place in the annals of classical music. This concerto, a staple of the violin repertoire, showcases Bruch's mastery of melody and orchestration, offering a rich and emotive experience for both performers and listeners alike. Bruch's journey in the music world spanned from the influence of Mendelssohn to the dawn of Schoenberg's atonal compositions, reflecting a lifetime dedicated to the evolution of musical expression. Beyond his concertos, Bruch's extensive catalog includes a variety of orchestral, chamber, and choral works, each bearing the hallmark of his distinctive Romantic style. His contributions as a conductor and teacher further cement his influence, making Max Bruch a figure of enduring significance in the classical music landscape.