Two of the Greatest Romantic Composers, Part 2

Brahms' music starkly contrasts Tchaikovsky's. The emotions that come through are powerful, but reserved and controlled, not wild and frantic. However, aside from a few selected works, Brahms' music doesn't have the immediate appeal that Tchaikovsky's does. Yet I find that his music is deeper and becomes more satisfying with each listen. The deeper I get into a particular Brahms piece, the more I am in amazement at the complex, intellectual brilliance that went into the composition. Yet the rugged beauty in his music doesn't need an intellectual understanding of it to enjoy it.

Here are some of my favorites of Brahms.

Orchestral music:

Piano Concerto No. 1 - a monumental work of genius. Although very difficult for the pianist, there is no gratuitous "showing-off" - the orchestra and piano work together to create musical ideas and cohesiveness. Unfortunately, the concerto was received very harshly when the composer premiered it, with an icy silence after one performance, and hissing by a later audience. That sort of thing would be unheard of today - and today's music isn't close to being in the same league! Here is pianist Stephen Hough discussing the piece after playing it. Here is the monumental concerto, parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (First movement up to part 3, 5:15; Second movement up to part 5, 2:20, Third movement the rest). The second movement is one of my favorite pieces of all time. My piano teacher recalls his teacher telling him "It will create a chapel in your soul!" It is full of calm and beauty, and the climax in the middle is very moving. The other two movements are powerful and full of austere beauty.

Piano Concerto No. 2 - an even more difficult piece for the pianist, and even more integrated into the orchestra part, such that it was called "a symphony with piano obbligato" in early days. It has four movements, making it even larger than the first concerto (if that were possible!). This ranks as one of the most difficult concertos of all time (up there with Rachmaninoff 3rd). I think of it as one of the most satisfying musical meals I could ever have. The longer the better (it is usually about an hour long)! It is more pastorale and less austere than the first concerto, and the emotions in the piece run the whole gamut. Here is the first movement, parts 1 and 2. The second movement, which Brahms jokingly called "a tiny wisp of a scherzo" is here. The third movement is a beautiful slow movement, complete with a cello solo. Here are parts 1 and 2, the latter also containing part of the fourth movement, which is light-hearted but still full of power and beauty, concluding here.

Violin Concerto - one of the greatest violin concertos of all time. It can be very austere and serious, especially in the first movement, but there are more light-hearted and tender moments as well, especially in the 2nd and 3rd movements. Critics of his time have said that it is not a concerto for violin as much as "against the violin" and others have said it was "unplayable". It is indeed a hard piece, but it has stood the test of time and is one of the most loved works of all time today. Here are the first, second, and third movements (the first is incomplete here).

Double Concerto - Brahms' last composition for orchestra, it is a concerto for violin and cello together. It is characteristically austere and powerful, but not without lots of beautiful writing and good humor in many places. The opening is especially powerful, with the orchestral outburst followed by a cadenza for the cello, then violin, then both together before the orchestra comes back to have a longer introduction. This a moving piece! Here are parts 1, 2, 3, and 4. The middle movement (part 3 here) is particularly tender and full of the "deep" Brahms beauty.

Four Symphonies - all four of his monumental symphonies are precious jewels. They were late in coming, due to the composer's dissatisfaction and highly self-critical nature. The first symphony was finished in his 40's, and is a tour-de-force. The last movement is very reminiscent of Beethoven's 9th symphony, and so Brahms was dubbed as the continuation of Beethoven - very high praise, but which I think is appropriate. The second symphony is very pastorale and beautiful - probably my favorite Brahms symphony. Since this blog entry is too long already, I'll link only to the third movement, my favorite. I would highly recommend this recording, which is a performance of Brahms and Tchaikovsky's last symphonies (Brahms 4th, Tchaikovsky's 6th) as well as some absolutely brilliant commentary (about 20 minutes per piece) by the great conductor, Leonard Bernstein. It includes other pieces on it as well, with commentary. This will give you a good idea of the musical genius in the creative process by both of these composers in their symphonies.

Variations on a Theme of Haydn - a set of variations on a theme unlikely by Haydn, but that doesn't matter. It's one of his most accessible works, but this doesn't mean it's not deep! The mood changes throughout, from very thoughtful and pensive to unabashedly joyful. I was only able to find a 2-piano version worth listening to (the orchestral version is superior), but here is the opening.

Chamber Music:

Brahms wrote lots and lots of chamber music. It tends to be pretty thick and heavy, but is, once again, quite satisfying in a way that no other composer can match (except perhaps Bach or Beethoven).

Violin Sonatas - he wrote 3, all of which are an incredible feast for the soul. Here is the first movement (parts 1 and 2) of the G major sonata. Brahms also wrote two viola sonatas, originally written as Clarinet sonatas, later transcribed for viola. They are both wonderfully rich and a joy to listen to and play, as are his two cello sonatas.

Brahms also wrote several piano trios and piano quartets, all amazing and monumental works. However, his Piano Quintet in F minor (written for piano and string quartet), to me is the peak, the pinnacle, of all chamber works written for piano and strings. Yes, you heard me right. I know that's kind of a strong statement, but that's how I feel. All four movements are astounding in their passion and integration between the instruments. It is a very serious work with a passion and energy unmatched by any other piece I know of. The most amazing and innovative movements are the 3rd and 4th. The third movement has a driving force and passion in it that stirs my soul every time I listen to it. The fourth movement has extraordinary harmonies in it, pushing the envelope of Romantic music. Listen especially to 7:00 on to the end - so much passion and fire!