Johannes Brahms: Rhapsodies, Opus 79

Brahms' Rhapsodies, Opus 79 is a set of two pieces for solo piano composed in 1879. They were dedicated to his friend, the musician and composer Elisabeth von Herzogenberg. At the suggestion of the dedicatee, Brahms reluctantly renamed the sophisticated compositions from "klavierstücke" (piano pieces) to "rhapsodies". Number 1, in B minor and marked "Agitato", is the more extensive piece, with outer sections in sonata form enclosing a lyrical central section in B major and with a coda ending in that key. Number 2, in G minor and marked "Molto passionato, ma non-troppo allegro", is a more compact piece in a more traditional sonata form.

Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), was a great German composer, virtuoso pianist, and one of the leading musicians of the Romantic period. He wrote for piano, chamber ensemble, symphony orchestra, and for voice and chorus. He was a traditionalist and an innovator, as well as an inspiration for subsequent composers. His output includes masterpieces of Beethovenian power, of subtle emotion, and of great beauty. The music of Johannes Brahms is one of humanity's greatest treasures.

Tutorials

No. 2 in G Minor

• Part 1

• Part 2

Sheetmusic at imslp.org (Peters edition used on video)