Colombet, Sz��cs, Runge and Libeer: Brahms and Mozart

Colombet, Sz��cs, Runge and Libeer

The quartet, at Libeer's initiative, bring their heads together to rehearse music by Mozart and Brahms for a CD recording. Libeer writes about one of the most stimulating collaborations he has experienced. The result can be heard not only on CD, but also live, tonight in the Kleine Zaal.

Brahms and Mozart

A composition can have different motives. Mozart wrote his Piano Trio in B flat to demonstrate the possibilities of the pianoforte. The Piano Quartet in G was a commission from his publisher, intended for amateurs – a commission that was withdrawn when the piece proved too difficult. Brahms began his opus 60 out of concern for Schumann's developing mental illness. He did not complete the work until 20 years later, but the beautiful cello melody in the second movement expresses warmth for his former colleague.