Serenade

Music by Brahms and Dvorak rounds off the Sheffield Chamber Music Festival Brahms Day

Dvořák’s popular 'American' string quartet abounds in attractive folk-like melodies. It reflects Dvořák’s admiration for American Indian and Black American melodies – he correctly predicted that the latter was the future of American music, even if he may not specifically have had jazz in mind! – but the traditional music of Dvořák’s native Bohemia also leaves a strong imprint on this effervescent piece.

The whole ensemble (except the piano) takes to the stage for Brahms’s First Serenade, a work full of melodies, from the opening horn theme to the bouncing finale.

Programme

• BRAHMS: Viola Sonata in F minor Op. 120 No.1
• DVOŘÁK: String Quartet in F Op.96 'American'
• BRAHMS: Serenade No.1 Op.11