"In 1884, Herzogenberg composed the three quartets which make up his Opus 42 and dedicated them to his friend Johannes Brahms. Op.42 No.2, the second of the set, is Herzogenberg’s third quartet. The first movement, Allegro, begins like a ballad, but by virtue of a variety of time changes reaches several powerful climaxes but ends tenderly. A chaste and heartfelt Andante follows. A gripping, energetic Scherzo, allegro comes next. A lyrical trio section provides excellent contrast. The finale, Allegro con brio, opens with a lovely, lilting theme. Running 16th note passages in the lower voices create a sense of unrest, which then is followed by a playful subject full of grace and a very effective coda to conclude.”
—So wrote the famous chamber music scholar and critic Wilhelm Altmann in his Handbook for String Quartet Players.
The Austrian composer Heinrich von Herzogenberg (1843-1900) was greatly influenced by Brahms and while one can easily hear this influence what is striking is the amount of original and fresh thoughts there are, notwithstanding the influence of Brahms. His chamber music is unquestionably first rate and some of it made Brahms envious.
