BRAHMS

 

The String Sextets

 

Les sextuors à cordes. Die Streichsextette

 

The Nash Ensemble

Marianne Thorsen (violin 1)

Malin Broman (violin 2)

Lawrence Power (viola 1)

Philip Dukes (viola 2)

Paul Watkins (cello 1)

Tim Hugh (cello 2)

 

 

String Sextet No. 1 in B flat, op. 18         

Streichsextett B-dur

Sextuor à cordes en si bémol majeur

 

1.  Allegro ma non troppo                      

2.  Andante ma moderato                      

3.  Scherzo: Allegro molto                      

4.  Poco allegretto e grazioso     

 

String Sextet No. 2 in G, op. 36  

Streichsextett G-dur

Sextuor à cordes en sol majeur

 

5.  Allegro non troppo                

6.  Scherzo: Allegro non troppo  

7.  Poco Adagio                         

8.  Poco Allegro                         

 

Total time 77.17

 

Third release on ONYX from “Britain’s premier chamber ensemble” (The Times)

 

Generous 77 minute coupling containing both of Brahms superb String Sextets with regular Nash players joined by star guests Philip Dukes and Tim Hugh

 

The String Sextets are two of Brahms’ finest, most warm-hearted and romantic chamber works. Unusually, all repeats are observed in these performances, recorded at Champs Hill, Sussex in December 2006

 

The Nash Ensemble, having recently celebrated their 40th Anniversary, are having something of a golden period, and their previous ONYX discs of Turnage world premieres (ONYX4005) and Mendelssohn Piano Trios (ONYX4011) receiving rave reviews.

 

Onyx ONYX4019