This is a very familiar and yet purely rhetorical question, as proven by the centenary anniversary of the composer’s death. Wherever you go you can find concerts of his works and events or exhibitions in tribute of the great German musician. Brahms was very fond of Switzerland, particularly of Thun and the region around its lake, often finding musical inspiration on his long hikes here. It is thus particularly appropriate that Claves honor this gentle man and giant composer by symbolically presenting him with two bouquets of flowers to accompany some of his most beautiful chamber music. French painter Bernard Cathelin (born in 1918) has kindly allowed us to use two of his paintings for the covers of these two compact discs. His exquisite pictures visually capture the perpetual youth and colors of Brahms’ music.

Patrick Genet, François Gottraux, Nicolas Pache and Marc Jaermann – there is actually no need to introduce the Quartet Sine Nomine. The four talented musicians were joined by clarinetist Thomas Friedli, pianianconi and violist Raphaël Oleg in their dazzling performances of the master’s four quintets. The first CD (Claves CD 50-9608) contains the famous Clarinet Quintet, Op. 115, as well as the Piano Quintet, Op. 34, perhaps the most performed work for this formation. The second CD (Claves CD 50-9609) features the two string quintets op. 88 and op. 111, compositions which Brahms himself considered as among his best.