Savoring a Powerful Trio of Brahms' Most Lyrical Works
Three introspective violin sonatas that range from calm to intense
Not until 1879 did Brahms publish his “First” Sonata, Op. 78, in G major for violin and piano. Like the Violin Concerto of 1878, it was composed in Pörtschach on the Wörthersee in Austria, and dedicated to Joachim. The music seems to breathe the calm peacefulness of that sunlit, spacious lake and the serenity of that lovely landscape. Certainly it is one of Brahms’ most lyrical, expansive works, with its long, soaring melodies and rapturous climaxes. He underlined its songful quality by taking a motive from his nostalgic, yearning song “Regenlied” (Rainsong) for the third movement’s main theme. (Unlike Schubert, who used entire songs as themes for his variations, Brahms merely hints at the connection.)
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