Strings Rejoice

Featuring: CMSFW Ensemble

Gary Levinson, violin
Yuriy Bekker, violin
Richard Young, viola
Michael Klotz, viola
Robert deMaine, cello
Allan Steele, cello

Performing:

Brahms String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111 “Prater”
Brahms String Sextet No.2 in G Major, Op. 36

This celebration of two of Brahms’ major string masterpieces is presented by a CMSFW ensemble of major string players from around the United States.  Led by Artistic Director, violinist Gary Levinson, this formidable group includes key members of major orchestras, soloists, recording artists, and dedicated chamber musicians.  Robert deMaine and Allan Steele are principal cellists for major orchestras; deMaine for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Steele for the Fort Worth Symphony.  These two will join Richard Young, violist and former member of the renowned Vemeer Quartet, Yuriy Bekker, violinist and concertmaster and pops conductor of the Charleston (S.C.) Symphony, and violist Michael Klotz who has appeared with CMSFW individually and as a member of the Amernet Quartet.  All together, they will provide an afternoon of chamber music that will cause the audience to indeed “rejoice.”​

The first work on the program, String Quintet No. 2 in G major was published in 1890. It is known as the Prater Quintet. Brahms intended it to be his last piece of music.  He included the following note when he sent the composition to his publisher: "With this note you can take leave of my music, because it is high time to stop."  Fortunately, Brahms did not stick to his resolution.  Johannes Brahms' String Sextet No. 2 in G major was composed during the years of 1864–1865.  It was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts on October 11, 1866.

For more information or tickets, please call 817.877.3003 or visit www.chambermusicFW.org.