A central fixture in the world of string quartets for the past thirty years, the Zehetmair Quartetts ECM recordings of Schumann, Hindemith, Bartk and Hartmann have received luminous praiseGramophone lauded their Schumann as Record of the Year, while The Sunday Times described their Hindemith and Bartk performances as playing of huge finesse in both pieces, calling them a real benchmark. For this this newest entry to their New Series catalogue, the quartet turns to Johannes Brahmss first two string quartets, Op. 51 Nos. 1 and 2works of mature reflection and dramatic urgency that reveal Brahmss mastery of form. The composer had after all written over 20 quartets prior two these two, as he confided to a close friend. But Brahms torched them all, making these his first two of a total three published quartets. Recorded with the Zehetmair Quartetts characteristic intensity, from-memory freedom, and richly expressive depth, the performances promise fresh and deeply felt readings of these cornerstone chamber works. Regrettably, it is the last of the quartets recordings to feature cellist Christian Elliott (1984-2025). It was a joy to work with him on the ever-changing character of the voices, to sense the meaning of every phrase and bring it to life. The void he leaves behind is painful Christian, we miss you.