Brahms's masterpieces. Popular classical music.

Piano Concerto No. 1Johannes Brahms

Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1, Pollini. Abbado / Vienna Philharmonic

Composed between 1854 and 1857, this work was not originally written as a piano concerto.

It began as a sonata for two pianos, then was reworked into a symphony, but that attempt was unsuccessful.

After various twists and turns, the piece was finally completed.

At the time of its premiere, it was not well received, and there are stories that the audience even jeered.

String Sextet No. 1 in B-flat major, Op. 18Johannes Brahms

Brahms:String Sextet Op18 Osostowicz,Øllgaard,Dann,Camille,Ylonen,Ortner. Esbjerg EnergiMetropol

Characterized by a youthful and passionate style, this piece was composed by Johannes Brahms at the age of 27.

While influenced by his revered Beethoven, Brahms pursued his own expression, superbly conveying a rich, weighty sonority and nuanced lyricism.

Consisting of four movements and running about 35 minutes, the work is especially notable for its second movement, whose powerful, romantic melody leaves a strong impression.

This movement is also known for its use in the film “The Lovers.” It is a highly recommended piece for those who want to fully savor the allure of classical music or who are interested in the Romantic era.

Two RhapsodiesJohannes Brahms

Brahms – 2 Rhapsodies, Op. 79 (Murray Perahia)

Composed in 1879 when Brahms was 46, this work consists of two pieces for solo piano.

It was dedicated to Elisabeth von Stockhausen, a former pupil and composer.

The work was originally titled “Two Piano Pieces,” but it is said that, at Elisabeth’s request, it received its current title.

It is one of the most beloved pieces among Brahms’s works.

Symphony No. 3, Op. 90Johannes Brahms

♪ Brahms: Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90 / Sergiu Celibidache conducting the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra

This is Brahms’s third symphony, composed around 1883 when he was 50.

Perhaps because Brahms revered Beethoven, the conductor who premiered it, Hans Richter, praised the work with Beethoven’s Symphony No.

3 “Eroica” in mind, calling it “Brahms’s Eroica.” Its premiere by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra was a great success and received high acclaim from audiences.

The piece was also used in the 1961 film Goodbye Again starring Ingrid Bergman.

A German Requiem, Op. 45Johannes Brahms

Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ MDR-Rundfunkchor ∙ Solisten ∙ David Zinman

Composed between 1857 and 1867, when Brahms was between 24 and 35 years old.

It is said that the death of his mentor, Schumann, served as the motivation for the composition.

The term “Requiem” refers to the Catholic Church’s Mass for the Dead.

However, as a Protestant, Brahms did not use the Latin liturgical text; instead, he selected his own lyrics from the German Bible and other sources.

For this reason, it was composed not as liturgical music, but as a work intended for concert performance.

Symphony No. 2, Op. 73Johannes Brahms

Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73: 4. Allegro con spirito

This is a gem of a symphony composed by Brahms, a leading figure of German Romanticism, while staying at a summer retreat surrounded by Austria’s beautiful nature.

Consisting of four movements, it begins with a gentle theme, unfolds into a wistful cello melody, lively rhythms, and culminates in a powerful finale.

Premiered in December 1877 to great success, the piece is notable among Brahms’s symphonies for its particularly bright, hopeful atmosphere.

Evoking a sense of tranquility and beauty in nature, it is a highly recommended piece for those looking to become more familiar with classical music.

Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 83Johannes Brahms

J.BRAHMS:PIANO CONCERTO No.2 Op.83 KRYSTIAN ZIMERMAN,L.BERNSTEIN,WIENER PHILHARMONIKER

Composed between 1878 and 1881, this work is unusual for Brahms in that it features a bright, cheerful character, whereas many of his pieces are strict and weighty in tone.

It is among his most famous compositions and is also one of the more challenging pieces for pianists, demanding a high level of technical skill.

Boasting a symphonic scale, it was described by contemporary music critics as a “symphony with piano.” The piece was dedicated to Brahms’s composition teacher, Eduard Marxsen.