Brahms’s Double Concerto
Johannes Brahms’s Double Concerto for violin and cello is a remarkable musical encounter. The two soloists challenge each other in a dazzling display of virtuosity, only to exchange musical ideas and merge seamlessly a moment later. At times, the wealth of chords they produce makes it sound as though an entire string quartet is taking centre stage.
The soloists in today’s recording, Julia Fischer and Daniel Müller-Schott (pictured), are both world-class musicians. They perform with the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, led by its chief conductor at the time, Yakov Kreizberg. The recording dates from 2007.
We’ll also listen to Brahms’s Haydn Variations in a 1992 recording by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, made as part of its Brahms cycle under the much-loved Bernard Haitink.
Playlist
- Johannes Brahms — Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra, Op. 102
Julia Fischer (violin), Daniel Müller-Schott (cello), Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Yakov Kreizberg - Johannes Brahms — Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a
Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Bernard Haitink - Johannes Brahms — Klavierstücke, Op. 119: Intermezzo: Adagio; Intermezzo: Andantino un poco agitato
Hélène Grimaud (piano)
Photo of Julia Fischer and Daniel Müller-Schott: © Christine Schneider
