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The Joachim Case

Donald Macleod explores the story of Brahm's support for his friend Joachim's wife in their tumultuous divorce case.

After 20 years of turbulent friendship, the relationship between Brahms and Joseph Joachim finally snapped at the beginning of the 1870s. But for once it wasn't the fault of the infamously rude and argumentative composer.

Donald Macleod explores the story of one of Brahms's most noble actions - his support for Joachim's wife in their tumultuous divorce case. He also introduces complete performances of solo sonatas for violin and cello, as well as a rare love song for alto, viola and piano, sung by Kathleen Ferrier.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Johannes Brahms

    Gestille Sehnsucht, for alto voice, viola and piano, Op.91 no.1

    Performer: Kathleen Ferrier (contralto), Phyllis Spurr (piano), Max Gilbert (viola)

    • DECCA 4212992.
    • 5.
  • Johannes Brahms

    Cello Sonata no.2 in F, Op.88

    Performer: Steven Isserliss (cello), Stephen Hough (piano)

    • HYPERION CDA67529.
    • 8 to 11.
  • Johannes Brahms

    Sonata no.3 in D Minor for violin and piano, Op.108

    Performer: Christian Tetzlaff (violin), Lars Vogt (piano)

    • EMI CDC5575252.
    • 7 to 10.

Broadcasts

  • Thu 25 Sep 2008 12:00
  • Thu 25 Sep 2008 22:00
  • Thu 2 Sep 2010 12:00

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