After their two succesful albums "Statements" (COBRA0035) and "(R)evolutions" (COBRA0037) the prize winning Cuarteto Quiroga returns again with another innovative and bold recording: "Frei aber einsam" (COBRA0048).

"Frei aber Einsam – ‘free but lonely’ – was the motto Brahms shared with his good friend Joseph Joachim and it forms the motivic basis of all the movements of his second quartet: the first letter of each German word represents a musical note (F-A-E). The inherent melancholic character of this motto can often be found within his music. Brahms identified with it deeply, having fought virtually alone in defence of his work, his aesthetic conception and his chamber music. To the end, he remained true to himself refusing any path marked by fads and trends that might have impinged upon his freedom and independence. Never once did he regret his position despite the suffering that it caused him. In his own words: “For me F.A.E. (Frei aber Einsam) has remained a symbol and in spite of everything, I may very well bless it.”

This wonderful recording is a testament to Brahms' beliefs performed by the first class Cuarteto Quiroga.