Johannes Brahms composed quartets for voices throughout his life and scored a special success with his Gypsy Songs. These enthralling miniatures of folk character have enjoyed great popularity through to the present and it quickly becomes clear in this brand new recording with the Norddeutscher Figuralchor conducted by Jörg Straube why. Featuring fiery rhythms, catchy melodies, and bittersweet harmonies, they tell a richly coloured tale of nineteenth-century wild and romantic gypsy life. The fine touch of Markus Bellheim's piano accompaniment contributes significantly to the Hungarian colour. Despite their popularity and supposed folk character, the quartets are very difficult to sing. Jörg Straube has perfectly prepared his Norddeutscher Figuralchor for this recording.