The violin 1 and violoncello parts of a lost string quartet (No. 4) by Georg Wilhelm Rauchenecker (1844-1906) have recently been discovered by the composer’s great-great-grandson. The second violin and viola parts are missing. The quartet is dedicated to Joseph Joachim and was performed for the first time in October 1883 in Winterthur/Switzerland. According to letters of his daughter, Joachim performed this string quartet.

Rauchenecker was a prolific composer, who conducted the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1884/85.

Any information as to the whereabouts of the missing parts, or possible performances by the Joachim Quartet would be gratefully received and acknowledged.