The op. 88 was written during a summer holiday at Ischl in the year 1882. It is a masterly composition, the first movement being of an animated and joyous character. This is followed by a slow movement (grave ed appassionato), varied by two quicker episodes. The finale (allegro energico) is written in free fugal form, and has an unusually prominent part for the first viola. The second String Quintett, op. 111, in G major, is a delightful work, in its composer’s ripest style. There is an unusual tenderness of expression in the melodies of the first three movements, the lightsome allegretto being well contrasted with the sombre adagio, in which, as in the other Quintett, an important part is assigned to the first viola. The vivace, with which the work ends, although complex in texture, is a vigorous and effective movement. [Sidenote: =Clarinet Quintett=] The Quintett for clarinet and strings, op. 115, which appeared about the same time as the clarinet Trio which has already been mentioned, was first heard in England in 1892, the clarinettist being the now well-known German artist Herr Mühlfeld (Brahms’s “unsere prima donna”), who, it is understood, came from Vienna at the desire of the composer. This work has gradually grown more and more into favour, which is what might be expected, for while such music makes large demands on both performers and listeners, it amply repays study, and is indeed a rich addition to the treasure-house of art. To the serious student and lover of good music the works of Brahms are a lasting delight, expressing as they do the purest and best of our musical aspirations. What the great masters of the past did for their day and generation Brahms has done for ours, and it is safe to say that the sympathetic attitude of any community towards him may be taken as a conclusive proof that its musical state and condition is sound and true. * * * * * [Illustration: THE BOHEMIAN QUARTETT. OSKAR NEDBAL. _Viola._ KAREL HOFFMANN. _1st Violin._ HANUS WIHAN. _’Cello._ JOSEF SUK. _2nd Violin._] [Sidenote: =Dvořák=] [Sidenote: =Revival of Bohemian Music=]