Taking their name from Antonie Brentano, thought to be Beethoven's mysterious Immortal Beloved, the Brentano Quartet is celebrating its 33rd season. The New York Times praised their "luxuriously warm sound [and] yearning lyricism;" and the Philadelphia Inquirer observied their "seemingly infallible instincts for finding the center of gravity in every phrase and musical gesture. "

Schubert's "Rosamunde" quartet gets its name from incidental music he had recently composed for the play of that name. The slow movement is a transcription of the entr'acte. Every movement of this nostalgic and delicate piece begins very quietly, as if Schubert is whispering a secret to us.

Brahm's third string quartet was the composer's last of the genre, and his own favorite. It opens up with a bouncing theme reminiscent of hunting horns. The second movement begins with a warm and song-like gesture, introduces a contrasting section that evokes an alpine vista, and then ends in sublime repose. The viola is featured prominently in the swirling third movement waltz. The last movement is a lively theme and variations, with the hunting party of the first movement returning for a galloping conclusion.

Anton Webern's 11-minute Five Movements, op. 5 show the influence of his teacher Arnold Schoenberg and even up the ante as far as atonality. The movement range from 4 minutes to 45 seconds and are marked by contrasting tempos.

Experience the artistry of one of the world's finest quartets in the stunning acoustics of Harris Concert Hall!