Leslie Kinton ([log in to unmask]) wrote:

>The Brahms *Sonata for Two Pianos, op. 34 bis" can be added to Dave's
>list.  This is the earliest surviving (and some think best:-) version
>of what is generally known as the "Piano Quintet".  ...

I think I'm one of them...

>...  The piece started out life for strings with double cello and no
>piano, which Brahms destroyed and re-cast for piano duo; it was at Clara's
>behest that he arranged it for string quartet and piano.  After it came
>out, Brahms wrote his publisher extolling the virtues of the two-piano
>Sonata, urging them not to forget it; almost like he arranged it for
>quintet under protest ...  but then again, I'm biased:-)

Or perhaps bised?

Deryk Barker
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