JOHANNES BRAHMS

Johannes Brahms was an enthusiast of pure instrumental music and a supporter of the Classical tradition. Among 19th-century composers of chamber music, he is considered to be the greatest follower of Ludwig van Beethoven. Two string sextets (in B flat major, Op. 18, and G major, Op. 36) occupy a special place in the composer’s oeuvre. At Brahms’ request, the composer and pianist Theodor Kirchner arranged the two sextets for piano trio. “The Brahms’ sextets are extraordinary works, simply fantastic. And when we discovered Th. Kirchner’s trios, it turned out that the piano adds many other colours. When we play a sextet, we often say: “Oh, why did Brahms write such beautiful melodies for viola?” Finally, in these trios we can play them ourselves. It’s like being engulfed in the sound of dreams coming true. These two trios are very melodic and expressive. They allow each instrument to showcase itself”, said cellist David Geringas about Th. Kirchner’s reworkings of the sextets.

The Grand Trio Vilnius performs Trio No.2 in G major, Op.36, a monumental four- movement opus full of emotional and dramatic outbursts, embellished with technical, melodic and dynamic contrasts.