The Rediscovery of Robert Kahn through the Trio op. 45 in G Minor for Clarinet (or violin), Cello and Piano

Abstract

Robert Kahn (1865 – 1951) was a German composer, professor and pianist of Jewish origin who lived between the 19th and 20th century in Germany and England. Although still relatively little known on the international scene, Kahn is currently undergoing a growing process of rediscovery, in particular thanks to recent concerts and recordings of his chamber music. His life and works are fully embedded in the German musical scene of his time, as proved by his personal acquaintance with Johannes Brahms. Relevant in Kahn‘s compositions were the artistic collaborations with prominent personalities of the period, such as the violinist Joseph Joachim and his Quartet, and, in the case of the Trio op. 45, with the clarinettist Richard Mühlfeld. This article offers an overview of Kahn‘s biography and chamber music works. His relationship with Johannes Brahms and other musicians of his time is contextualized. The final section focuses on the Trio op. 45 in G Minor for clarinet (or violin), cello and piano, providing a historical, stylistic and formal analysis of the work. The aim of this study is to draw musicological attention to the figure of Robert Kahn, who still awaits a more thorough critical study.