Description

Brahms's second string quintet, much like its companion piece op. 88 from 1882, was intended to be finalized in the leisurely setting of a summer in Bad Ischl; however, it took an additional eight years to complete. The initial technical performance in Vienna in October 1890, which Brahms referred to as “not displeasing” in a letter to his friend Clara Schumann, was succeeded by a period of refinement in collaboration with musical associates such as Joseph Joachim. By the end of that year, Brahms submitted the score and parts to his publisher, Simrock. This lively composition, characterized by its occasionally orchestral texture and dynamic, quintessentially Brahmsian rhythms, quickly endeared itself to both audiences and performers, despite presenting certain challenges to the latter.

The new Henle Urtext edition is derived from the New Brahms Complete Edition, with editor Kathrin Kirsch having examined all autograph manuscripts and first editions. Accompanied by an informative preface, this edition provides an excellent foundation for engaging with this remarkable piece of Brahms's chamber music.