Schumann Quartett plays Schuberts Rosamunde

Schumann Quartet

The three Schumann brothers – Mark, Erik and Ken – have been playing together since childhood. They have worked with various violists, Veit Hertenstein joined in 2022. The four enjoy playing together without words. They say they owe their openness and inquisitive nature to their inspirations, including the Alban Berg Quartet. They have also worked with Menahem Pressler. The Süddeutsche Zeitung spoke of fire and energy after a Schumann concert.

Schubert's Rosamunde

The premiere of Schubert's melancholic masterpiece, the Rosamunde Quartet, was given in 1824 by the Schuppanzigh Quartet, which also christened Beethoven's later quartets. The nickname 'Rosamunde' comes from a theme from Schubert's incidental music in the Andante. All the movements begin softly, in between there are tempo changes and strong dynamic contrasts. In the finale, Hungary comes around the corner with ornaments from folk music. This subtle and graceful quartet seems to end softly, until Schubert concludes it with two daring chords.