Violist

In 1853, the 20-year-old Johannes Brahms was traveling along the Rhine on foot, and he stopped to visit the Schumanns in Düsseldorf. »Robert loves him. He is a great joy to him, both as a human and an artist«, Clara noted with enthusiasm. The close friendship between the young composer and the older married artists survived even difficult times. After Robert Schumann entered the insane asylum, Brahms supported Clara, pregnant at the time, and her six children.

 Martina Gedeck & Schumann Quartett

Stadtkirche St. Marien

The trio Johannes Brahms - Robert Schumann - Clara Schumann has inspired each other artistically and, in some parts, erotically since 1853. But this concert is not just about the question of who, why and whether at all. Rather, the alliance of three expands into a pentagonal story. Mendelssohn is added, whom Brahms greatly admired. And the composer Aribert Reimann, who died in 2024 and who felt a close connection with Schumann, also joins for a short time. Schumann's first and Brahms' third string quartets form the framework for a program rich in relationships, the intertwined paths of which are lined with excerpts from Peter Härtling's Schumann novel and letters from the Schumann couple, read by the actress Martina Gedeck. The Schumann Quartet is responsible for the music, although it is not named that because of Robert or Clara, but because of the three brothers Erik, Ken and Mark who play along. The violist is an external player, but that is another (square) story.

Martina Gedeck & Schumann Quartett

Hall Schwetzingen Castle

Who knows you better than a sibling? Hardly anyone. So it’s no surprise that the Schumann Quartet has a special connection audiences and critics savor. This German ensemble consists of three brothers—Erik, Ken, and Mark Schumann—and violist Veit Hertenstein

EPSG:4326

Schumann Quartet

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

The three Schumann brothers have been playing together since their earliest childhood, joined by violist Veit Hertenstein to complete this German ensemble. The quartet has reached a stage where anything is possible, because it has dispensed with certainties.

Alice Pratt Brown Hall

The three brothers, Mark, Erik and Ken Schumann, and violist Veit Hertenstein are well known for their willingness to take risks and explore new musical territories. This breathtaking program will include Mozart’s tribute to Haydn, one of Berg’s most original compositions, and a late quartet of Beethoven’s that brought the composer back to the string quartet genre after a 10-year absence. 

Logan Center

Kit Armstrong & friends: Expedition Mozart

Mozarteum Foundation

Does a composer know that a work will be his last? And does the music convey world-weariness, farewell, or serenity? The renowned Schumann Quartet explores these questions as part of the Hamburg International Music Festival, which in 2025 has the theme "The End," with the last string quartets by Ludwig van Beethoven and featured composer Hans Werner Henze

Violist

Veit Hertenstein

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 1, 2026

Kit Armstrong & friends: Expedition Mozart · Internationale Stiftung Mozarteum

May 19, 2026

Schumann Quartet · Elbphilharmonie

Past events

May 20, 2025

Martina Gedeck & Schumann Quartett · Dresdner Musikfestspiele

May 11, 2025

Martina Gedeck & Schumann Quartett · SWR Symphonieorchester

Future and recently performed repertoire

Viola in Horn Quintet by Mozart

Internationale Stiftung Mozarteum

About

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