Johannes Brahms’s Quartet for Piano and Strings in G Minor, Op. 25 is considered one of the composer’s first mature masterpieces. The wide-ranging emotional content seems to encapsulate the human experience from wonder, mystery, and tenderness to heroism, exultation, and merrymaking. The composer seems to explore the infinite potential of the smallest musical gestures, as the work unfolds through continuous variation and ongoing development. The four instruments interact like a microcosm for society, at times in dialogue, other times in strife, and in still others in joyous unity.
The CUUC Choir is also on hand Sunday morning with Greg Gilpin’s “Why We Sing.” We invite everyone to stay for this afternoon’s Music at CUUC concert at 12:30 pm to hear the Brahms Quartet in its totality, as well as more music from our Choir and other gifted CUUC members.
Gathering Music:
Elena Peres, violin; Anat Malkin, viola; Gjilberta Lucaj-Cohen, cello; Adam Kent, piano
Quartet for Piano and Strings in G Minor, Op. 25
I. Allegro
Johannes Brahms
Meditation: CUUC Choir directed by Lisa N. Meyer and accompanied by Georgianna Pappas
“Why We Sing” ~ Greg Gilpin
Offertory:
Quartet for Piano and Strings in G Minor, Op. 25
III. Andante con moto (excerpt)
Johannes Brahms
Interlude:
Quartet for Piano and Strings in G Minor, Op. 25
II. Intermezzo: Allegro ma non troppo (excerpt)
Johannes Brahms
Parting Music:
Quartet for Piano and Strings in G Minor, Op. 25
IV. Rondo alla Zingarese: Presto (excerpt)
Johannes Brahms