After a couple of recordings of Friedrich Gernsheim's first and third piano quartets, the 2nd quartet (in C minor, Op.20) has now been recorded by the Mariani Quartet. This was released last month: Volume 1 of a predicted trilogy of Brahms and Gernsheim piano quartets (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8905997--brahms-gernsheim-piano-quartets-vol-1).
This CD contains very fine performances, of the Gernsheim quartet and of Brahms's quartet op. 25. Highly recommended!
The Gernsheim is in his usual generously melodic style - music, in other words, to ease the burdens of a stressful day. However, there is also drama and mystery, especially in the opening movement. The work appears to date from around 1870.
Why this isn't played as often as works by the so-called front rank of composers is beyond me. It is absolutely superb - and superbly done in this new recording.
Now available to stream on Amazon Music, which I'll do soon...
I agree completely, Alan. Maybe the recording will push it into the limelight and prompt more performances.