This string sextet by Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) was published in 1861. This youthful work quickly gained favor with both the public and the press ("one of the finest pieces by the young composer") from its earliest performances in the spring of 1861. It is a highly lyrical work, full of freshness and poetry, revealing a smiling, light-hearted Brahms. Nicknamed the “Spring Sextet,” the first two movements have a pastoral character. However, the work as a whole, with its simple yet noble themes, reveals more of the composer’s soul than a spring landscape.

The Berlin ensemble delivers a robust, dynamic, and cohesive interpretation. Tempos are steady, and the phrasing is direct and restrained. The sound is remarkably full. It is a perfectly executed performance of high technical quality, elevated further by the remastering, which adds warmth and depth.

Enjoy your listening