Romantic Splendour–Brahms and Taneyev

Nordby Church, Fanø. Wednesday 20th August 2025 at 7.30 pm

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Romantic Splendour – Brahms and Taneyev

Johannes Brahms: String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111

Sergei Taneyev: Piano Quartet in E Major, Op. 20

Powerful Chamber Music for Strings and Piano

Two grand Romantic works: one by the German master Brahms, the other a towering Russian counterpart, Taneyev.

Johannes Brahms: String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111
Brahms composed his String Quintet No. 2 during the summer of 1890 in the idyllic setting of Bad Ischl, Austria. Originally intended to be his final composition — Brahms even hinted at retirement afterwards — the work radiates a youthful vitality that belies any notion of farewell. The quintet’s sunny G major tonality, rich textures (thanks to the addition of a second viola), and expansive melodies evoke an almost symphonic grandeur within a chamber setting. The opening movement brims with exuberance, while the inner movements reveal Brahms’s gift for introspection, rhythmic play, and intricate harmonic layering. Although he would continue composing after this, Op. 111 stands as a testament to Brahms’s mature mastery of form, color, and deeply human expression.

Sergei Taneyev: Piano Quartet in E Major, Op. 20
A student and close associate of Tchaikovsky, Sergei Taneyev composed his Piano Quartet in E Major between 1906 and 1911, during a period when he was refining his reputation as Russia’s leading contrapuntist. Taneyev’s deep admiration for classical form and structure — particularly that of Beethoven and Brahms — is evident throughout the quartet. Yet his voice remains distinctively Russian, blending elegant architecture with soaring, emotionally charged melodies. The work’s expansive first movement showcases his command of motivic development, while the scherzo sparkles with rhythmic brilliance. The slow movement offers lyrical depth, and the lively finale reveals both technical exuberance and architectural sophistication. Rarely performed compared to Western European piano quartets, Taneyev’s Op. 20 is a hidden jewel of the Russian Romantic repertoire, marrying intellectual rigor with passionate expressivity.

Romantic Splendour – Brahms and Taneyev
Johannes Brahms: String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111
I. Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
II. Adagio
III. Un poco allegretto
IV. Vivace, ma non troppo presto

Sergei Taneyev: Piano Quartet in E Major, Op. 20
I. Allegro brillante
II. Scherzo: Presto
III. Andante
IV. Finale: Allegro molto

The Norwegian pianist Christian Ihle Hadland has built an international career as a soloist and chamber musician, performing with leading orchestras and at major festivals across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Polish violinist Maria Wloszczowska, is recognized for her versatile musicianship, performing as a soloist, director, and chamber musician. She serves as Artistic Partner of the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Director and Leader of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. 

Spanish violinist Pablo Hernán Benedí, has built a distinguished career as a soloist and chamber musician. He is a founding member of the Trio Isimsiz and has been a member of the Chiaroscuro Quartet, performing extensively across Europe.

British violinist Tim Crawford is an accomplished soloist and chamber musician. He has performed across the UK and Europe and is currently studying at the Basel Musik Akademie under Rainer Schmidt. 

Michel Camille, has been the violist of the Esbjerg Ensemble since 1995 and served as its Artistic Director from 1997 to 2001. He founded the Esbjerg International Chamber Music Festival in 1999, attracting musicians worldwide. 

French violist Hélène Clément has been a member of the Doric String Quartet, performing globally at venues such as the Vienna Musikverein and Wigmore Hall. She teaches at the Royal Academy of Music in London and plays on Benjamin Britten’s 1843 Giussani viola, on loan from the Britten-Pears Foundation. 

Catalan cellist Pau Codina has performed extensively throughout Europe in prestigious venues like Wigmore Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. He is a graduate of the Yehudi Menuhin School, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth. 

American cellist Eddie Pogossian is a graduate of the Juilliard School and the Royal College of Music. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Boston Pops and the Royal Northern Sinfonia and serves as Professor of Cello at the Royal Northern College of Music.