Johannes Brahms exhibited a noticeable disposition to paired works: he composed 2 serenades, 2 piano concertos, 2 sonatas for cello and clarionet and likewise 2 string sextets. The first sextet B flat major reflects the work-filled time he spent in Detmold. Being permanently appointed as royal musical director and pianist at the small town‘s princely court from 1857-59, he was to study and perform the works of the Viennese classicists. The composer began working on the second sextet in G major in September 1864. For Christmas 1864, he sent Clara Schumann the first three movements of it. In May 1865, Brahms completed the sextet with its 4th movement. On this record, the soloists ensemble of the 1888 created ‘Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam’ plays both sextets.