Brahms & Schumann: String Quartets – Melos Quartett Stuttgart (Newton Classics 8802051, 3CD Set)

• UPC: 8718247710515
• MPN (Manufacturer Part Number): 8802051
• Brand Name: Newton Classics
• Product Type: 3 Audio CD Set
• Genre: Classical / Romantic Chamber Music
• Style: String Quartets
• Recording Type: DDD Stereo
• Total Duration: 153′39″

Overview

This Newton Classics 3CD set unites the complete String Quartets of Robert Schumann (1810–1856) and Johannes Brahms (1833–1897), performed by the renowned Melos Quartett of Stuttgart — one of the most acclaimed chamber ensembles of the 20th century.

These works reveal the intimate side of two Romantic giants. Schumann’s three quartets, composed in 1842, are full of lyric warmth, rhythmic invention, and emotional transparency. Brahms’s quartets, written decades later, blend architectural strength with profound poetic depth.

Recorded in Bamberg’s Zentralsaal (1986–1987) for Deutsche Grammophon, these digital sessions showcase the Melos Quartett’s exceptional balance, unity, and refined expressiveness. The ensemble’s interpretation combines German precision with an unmistakable sense of humanity and warmth — qualities that make this collection a benchmark in the quartet repertoire.

Product Features

• Format: 3 Audio CDs
• Recording Type: DDD Stereo
• Recording Dates: May 1986 – June 1987
• Recording Location: Zentralsaal, Bamberg, Germany
• Executive Producer: Dr. Steven Paul
• Recording Producer & Engineer: Heinz Wildhagen
• Assistant Engineer: Klaus Behrens
• Ensemble: Melos Quartett Stuttgart

• Members:

  Label: Newton Classics BV (licensed from Deutsche Grammophon GmbH)
  • Wilhelm Melcher – Violin I
  • Gerhard Voss – Violin II
  • Hermann Voss – Viola
  • Peter Buck – Cello
• Country of Manufacture: Netherlands

Interesting Facts

• Schumann’s “Quartet Year”: All three quartets (Op. 41) were composed in 1842, his most concentrated year for chamber music, inspired by his admiration for Beethoven’s late quartets.
• Brahms’s Reluctant Debut: Brahms destroyed over 20 earlier attempts before publishing his first two quartets (Op. 51) — perfectionism born of reverence for Beethoven.
• The Melos Legacy: Founded in 1965, the Melos Quartett Stuttgart achieved worldwide acclaim for their warmth of tone and clarity of structure, recording extensively for Deutsche Grammophon.
• Studio Excellence: Recorded in the Zentralsaal, Bamberg, under the expert engineering of Heinz Wildhagen, these performances are notable for their natural, concert-hall sound.
• A Pairing of Kindred Spirits: Though different in temperament, Schumann and Brahms share a deep poetic introspection — perfectly captured in the Melos Quartett’s cohesive, eloquent playing.

Track Listing Overview

CD 1 – 47′31″

Robert Schumann

• String Quartet No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 41 No. 1  I. Introduzione (Andante espressivo – Allegro) – 9′39″  II. Scherzo (Presto) – Intermezzo – 3′32″  III. Adagio – 5′52″  IV. Presto – 6′27″

• String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, Op. 41 No. 2  I. Allegro vivace – 6′00″  II. Andante, quasi variazioni – 8′29″  III. Scherzo (Presto) – 3′17″  IV. Allegro molto vivace – 4′15″

CD 2 – 63′57″

Robert Schumann

• String Quartet No. 3 in A Major, Op. 41 No. 3  I. Andante espressivo – Allegro molto moderato – 7′49″  II. Assai agitato – Un poco adagio – Tempo risoluto – 6′25″  III. Adagio molto – 8′36″  IV. Allegro molto vivace – 6′52″

Johannes Brahms

• String Quartet No. 3 in B-flat Major, Op. 67  I. Vivace – 9′41″  II. Andante – 7′07″  III. Agitato (Allegretto non troppo) – 8′09″  IV. Poco allegretto con variazioni – Doppio movimento – 9′18″

CD 3 – 66′26″

Johannes Brahms

• String Quartet No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 51 No. 1  I. Allegro – 10′40″  II. Romanze (Poco adagio) – 6′34″  III. Allegretto molto moderato e comodo – Un poco più animato – 8′32″  IV. Allegro – 5′53″

• String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 51 No. 2  I. Allegro non troppo – 13′34″  II. Andante moderato – 8′53″  III. Quasi minuetto, moderato – Allegretto vivace – 5′07″  IV. Finale (Allegro non assai – Più vivace) – 7′13″

Total Duration: 153′39″

Publishers

Originally recorded by Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Hamburg (1986–1988). Digitally remastered and reissued by Newton Classics BV (2011). Manufactured and printed in the Netherlands.

All rights of the producer and of the owner of the work reproduced reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance, and broadcasting prohibited.

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