Impassioned romanticism and classical principles are reconciled in the masterworks of Johannes Brahms (1833–1897). Almost everything he wrote remains indispensable to the concert hall repertoire. With his soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and rhythmic vigor, Brahms has taken his place among the immortals, his name linked with Bach’s and Beethoven’s as one of the “Three B’s” of classical music.
Saul Lilienstein examines the breadth of Brahms’ extraordinary career, from his teenage years playing piano in the brothels of Hamburg to his sweeping triumphs in Vienna and international recognition as the greatest living symphonist. Explore the full range of his work—from symphonies, concertos, and overtures to his chamber music, songs, and choral music—in a series of programs highlighted by musical and DVD recordings.
JAN 30 The Chamber Music
Some of Brahms’ most beautiful music flows from the sounds of strings in the quintets, sextets, and septets of 1853, continuing through the lyrical introspection for his music for clarinet and strings, written near the end of his life in 1894.
FEB 6 Music for Piano and Piano and Voice
Excerpts from his ballades, intermezzos, and rhapsodies, and his stunning Handel variations.
FEB 13 The Choral Masterworks
Brahms’ Requiem, first performed in 1868, confirmed his position as a composer of international notice. His elegiac Alto Rhapsody and dramatic Song of Destiny followed soon after.
FEB 20 The Concertos
Brahms’ career before a large public began in 1859 with his intense Piano Concerto No. 1, and ended in 1887 with his Concerto for Violin and Cello. In the intervening years, his Concerto for Violin and Concerto for the Piano established his dominance in the concerto form.
FEB 27 The Symphonic Music, Part 1
Beginning in 1873, an outpouring of grand symphonic conceptions brought him eventual recognition as the greatest symphonist since Beethoven. Excerpts from the Variations on a Theme of Haydn and Symphony No. 1 and Symphony No. 2 are featured.
MAR 6 The Symphonic Music, Part 2
After the melodic and nostalgic charm of the Academic Festival Overture, Brahms concluded his orchestral output with Symphony No. 3 and Symphony No. 4.
6 sessions
Photo caption (above): Johannes Brahms, 1889 (New York Public Library Archives)
