Brahms: Piano Quartet No.2, Op.26

Introduction

The Piano Quartet No. 2 in A major, Op. 26, by Johannes Brahms is a musical composition scored for piano, violin, viola and cello. It was completed in 1861 and received its premiere in November 1863 by the Hellmesberger Quartet with the composer playing the piano part. It has been especially noted for drawing influence from composer Franz Schubert. Lasting approximately 50 minutes, this quartet is the longest of Brahms's chamber works to perform.

Musical description

The quartet is in four movements:

1. Allegro non troppo (A major)
2. Poco adagio (E major)
3. Scherzo: Poco allegro (A major, trio in D minor)
4. Finale: Allegro (A major)

First movement

The first movement is in sonata form.

Second movement

The second movement is in rondo form.

Third movement

The third movement is a scherzo and trio in compound ternary form, where both the scherzo and the trio are in sonata form.

Fourth movement

The fourth movement is in sonata form with foreshortened recapitulation.