Brahms's masterpieces. Popular classical music.
Here are some recommended works from the many masterpieces left by the German composer Johannes Brahms.
If you get to know Brahms—hailed as one of the “Three Bs” of German music alongside Bach and Beethoven—you’ll be well on your way to becoming a classical music connoisseur.
His Symphony No.
1, composed with deep respect for Beethoven, was so strongly influenced by him that the conductor of its premiere, Hans von Bülow, famously called it “Beethoven’s Tenth Symphony.”
Please enjoy the world of Brahms, which continues to be cherished by classical music fans today.
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Brahms’s Masterpieces: Popular Classical Music (41–50)
Three Intermezzi, Op. 117: No. 1 in E-flat majorJohannes Brahms
The young Brahms created a masterpiece, Three Intermezzi.
Known for treating the piano as a member of the orchestra, this work is still performed by many pianists today.
Among them, I particularly recommend Three Intermezzi, Op.
117 No.
1.
While the set as a whole is technically demanding, No.
1 is structured in a way that makes it approachable even for beginners.
Please give it a try.
Brahms’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (51–60)
Four Ballades, Op. 10 No. 1 in D minorJohannes Brahms
Brahms’s masterpiece “Four Ballades, Op.
10 No.
1” features a weighty, beautiful melody.
It’s generally considered to be at an intermediate level of difficulty.
While there aren’t many large leaps, there are many octaves, which might be challenging if you’re not used to them.
However, because the tempo is slow and there are no fast passages, I recommend giving it a try.
It’s a piece that makes a strong impression, so you might consider performing it at a piano recital.
Four Pieces, Op. 119: No. 1, Intermezzo in B minorJohannes Brahms
Brahms’s masterpiece Four Pieces features melodies that are both dazzling and delicately tinged with softness.
Here, we introduce the first piece, the Intermezzo.
It’s recommended for beginners approaching the intermediate level: its relaxed pacing allows the left hand to prepare comfortably for the next accompaniment.
On the other hand, there are a few leaps, so it’s important not to rely solely on sight when playing.
It’s a piece that offers significant growth, so be sure to check it out.
Four Pieces, Op. 119: No. 2, Intermezzo in E minorJohannes Brahms
Brahms’s late work Four Pieces includes a second piece in which chords and melody unfold at a relaxed tempo, ebbing and flowing like waves of emotion.
Amid its dark, brooding atmosphere, a melancholic beauty occasionally surfaces—one of its distinctive traits.
Composed during a summer holiday in the spa town of Bad Ischl, the piece is said to reflect Brahms’s inner feelings.
Though brief, it possesses remarkable depth and embodies his musical maturity.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy quiet, introspective music.
Four Pieces, Op. 119: No. 3, Intermezzo in C minorJohannes Brahms
This piece, included in Brahms’s final collection for piano, Four Pieces, is particularly striking.
Written when he was approaching sixty, it lasts only about a minute and a half, yet its brightness and gentle atmosphere are soothing.
Its rhythmic intricacy and varied phrasing are distinctive, reflecting the mature style of Brahms’s late period.
To highlight the dynamic contrasts, incorporating subtle rubato will help you stay relaxed and achieve a more natural performance.
Try practicing slowly, carefully checking positions and fingerings.
Six Pieces, Op. 118: No. 1, Intermezzo in A minorJohannes Brahms
When it comes to Brahms pieces that aficionados love, many people might think of his Six Pieces, Op.
118.
This time, I’d like to introduce the first piece, the Intermezzo, from that set.
As a late work, it features many lyrical melodies, characterized by a blend of romantic atmosphere and pianistic technique.
If you have small hands, try breaking the chords into arpeggios—it will instantly make it easier to play, so give it a try.
Six Pieces, Op. 118: No. 2, Intermezzo in A majorJohannes Brahms
A piece from the set of piano miniatures Brahms composed in his later years.
Its gentle, serene melody evokes autumn and winter scenes, with a poignant yet beautiful tune that leaves a strong impression.
Composed in 1893, it was dedicated to his close friend Clara Schumann.
Structured in ternary form, the modulation to the minor key in the middle section creates a striking contrast.
Clear expression of the inner-voice melodic lines is required, making it recommended for those who wish to develop finger independence and refined expressivity.
It’s a piece I’d encourage anyone who wants to experience Brahms’s mature musicality to take on.