Xiayin Wang and the Amity Players

This recording of Brahms Piano Quartets originates from a series of concerts performed by Xiayin Wang and the Amity Players (Béla Horváth, violin; Tom Palny,viola; Raphaël Dubé, cello) at the Two River Theater in New Jersey, Rockefeller University's Caspary Auditorium and Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall. This ensemble performs Brahms' quartets with grace insight and sensitivity.

1. Brahms: Piano Quartet Op.25: Allegro
2. Brahms: Piano Quartet Op.25: Intermezzo Allegro
3. Brahms: Piano Quartet Op.25: Andante con moto
4. Brahms: Piano Quartet Op.25: Rondo alla Zingarese Preso
5. Brahms: Piano Quartet Op.60: Allegro non troppo
6. Brahms: Piano Quartet Op.60: Scherzo Allegro
7. Brahms: Piano Quartet Op.60: Andante
8. Brahms: Piano Quartet Op.60: Finale Allegro comodo

Johannes Brahms composed his piano quartets between the years of 1854 and 1861, completing his third and final quartet in 1873. Evident in his compositions is his flair for romantic vocabulary with a poised, almost symphonic mastery of musical architecture. His quartets continually strive beyond their chosen medium of chamber music, towards an orchestral sense of colour, scope of expression, and range of development.

LISTEN TO XIAYIN WANG AND THE AMITY PLAYERS
Three Tango
Arranged by Clint Edwards & Composer by Piazzola

These tangos were commissioned for pianist Xiayin Wang and the Amity Players' performance on the Weill Hall stage at New York City's Carnegie Hall. The premiere of the work was in 2006 to a sold out crowd. You can listen to their live performance below. The scoring is for a piano quartet.