Looking Back

This programme explores the deeply personal inspirations that led Bedřich Smetana and Johannes Brahms to write some of their best-known chamber works. Smetana, the founder of the Czech national style, was in great pain and completely deaf when he composed his first string quartet. It is a groundbreaking programmatic work that depicts his life's journey. Brahms wrote his second string quintet, Op. 111, as a “farewell work” and declared to his publisher that he was finished with his career (fortunately that turned out not to be the case!). The work is at the same time a look back at Brahms’ musical inspirations and a work suffused with a zest for life. Programme: Smetana String Quartet No. 1 “From My Life” Brahms String Quintet No. 2, Op. 111