Strauss' String Sextet from Capriccio (1942) begins his opera with lush beauty and calm. Written during World War II, it looks back to earlier Romantic traditions, offering intimacy and refinement.
Brahms' String Sextet No 2 in G major (1864–65) shows the young composer expanding the possibilities of chamber music. Its warm melodies, rich six-part textures, and moments of daring harmony give the piece both intimacy and grandeur, revealing Brahms' growing confidence and his gift for lyrical, expressive writing.
R Strauss String Sextet from Capriccio, Op 85
Brahms String Sextet No 2 in G major, Op 36
Jennifer Owen violin
Lucy Carrig-Jones violin
Douglas Coghill viola
Susanna Low viola
Jonathan Békés cello
Stuart Thomson double bass