Johannes Brahms: Eight Piano Pieces Op. 76
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 มิ.ย. 2024
- Performer: Dmitri Alexeev (*1947)
Brahms published this collection in 1879. It marvellously anticipates his late piano style (especially op. 118, to which certain pieces are very closely related), for the harmonic processes, in opposition to thematic variety, are getting ever more important to the formal layouts of the pieces.
Alexeev provides a gorgeous rendition, thrilling in as many of the atmospherical and characteristical registers as this set has to offer. Highlights of the recording certainly are:
-Those very Brahmsian, remorseful, almost crushing harmonies in No. 1 at 00:49
-The magically radiant and lucid rendition of the theme in the high treble toward the end of No. 3 at 08:23
-The closing climax of No. 5 (along with that earth-shattering final chord) going from 15:34.
1: 00:00 - Un poco agitato, f-sharp minor. The set's first piece begins with an electrifying opening section, a steady crescendo building up in a raging swell to culminate in a rush of C#-sharp major. What follows are merely melodic fragments, repeatedly running up to c#''. One of these fragments, consisting of four notes, is then developed in the outer voices until heading (vainly) for a new climax in the middle voice (01:29). A brief digress to d minor leads back to an even more amplified version of the opening section, after which, further treating the four-note-motif, the music slowly ebbs.
2: 03:24 - Allegretto non troppo, b minor. This well liked Capriccio bears a more conventional, less "through-composed" form than the one before him, thus for example does it feature a middle section (04:47). Despite its highly chromatic "grazioso"-playfulness, the character of the piece is not cheerful but rather dimmed by a kind of somberness.
3: 06:55 - Grazioso, A-flat major. The "grazioso" seems slightly out of place here (as in the "Adagio grazioso" slow movement from Beethoven's piano sonata op. 31/1), for this intermezzo stands out - and next to certain Brahms-songs as for example "An den Mond" op. 71/2 - as one of the most serene depictions of a quiet and bright moonlight scenery. A short middle section is shaped out of ascending triplets which return at the closing section of the piece.
4: 09:25 - Allegretto grazioso, B-flat major. A harmonically very wayward piece. The ostinato E-flat in the alto voice, in its function as the seventh of the dominant, prevents the music from arriving in its home key, B-flat major, which isn't reached until the very end - but eventually not through the dominant but the subdominant minor key. The whole thing is kinda absurd, this is probably the closest Brahms came to what one would call humour in music. Note furthermore how in 11:32, after the remote tonalities that have been explored during the middle section, he restores the harmonic atmosphere of the beginning in just half a measure so abruptly that it almost hurts.
5: 12:44 - Agitato, ma non troppo presto, c-sharp minor. In its energeticness, its motivical density and its tremendously dramatic and churned up character this piece seems to directly herald the Fourth Symphony as well as later piano pieces, e.g. the Ballade from op. 118. There is a striking three-against-two-polyrhythm constructed within the 6/8 beat of the beginning. Although there is no real middle section, don't miss the short yet beautiful lyrical passage starting at 13:56. This is the only piece of the set that unambiguously ends in a minor key.
6: 15:54 - Andante con moto, A major. A direct predecessor of the op. 118 intermezzo in the same key. Under the veiled beat of the outer sections lies a hidden melody formed by every quarter note.
7: 20:04 - Moderato semplice, a minor. A quiet, intimate mood prevails in this piece, paired with an unorthodox form, which adds a kind of narrative element to it: Its ABA-scheme consists of an extensive B section in contrary to a very short A-section, which is merely a statement opening and closing the piece. Though this music may well evoke Schumannesque "Innigkeit", the A-statement is formed after Chopin's f minor-Nocturne op. 55/1.
8: 24:03 - Grazioso ed un poco vivace, C major. A strong performance is needed to not let this piece miss its point, since an exultant major piece is not what we might have expected to get from Brahms at the end of such a set (and moreover, as one might argue, is this not his strongest category in general). Though while the contrapuctual writing in the piece is marginal, a closer look reveals an anarchy on the harmonic level that we seldom have with Brahms. Seriously, the music moves through the circle of fifths like on a rollercoaster. Take the passage during the opening section going from 24:55. The suddenly appearing d# seemingly leans to a minor but is in fact the disguised B major dominant of e minor, now pounding and trying to get at the surface for six bars - all resulting in the section closing in F major.
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Brahms harmonic vocabulary and ear were absolutely wild
this pianist, of whom i have never heard before, is a genius! internal melodies hidden with other pianists, unexpected gentleness, bringing out all of the beauty and turmoil in the soul of the great master brahms.
It's just incredibly beautiful music. Brahms was a musical genius of the first order and this pianist uncovers the very soul of this sublime music.
What's remarkable about Opus 76 is it's variety. This is Brahms at his most introspective. The stormy unbridled romanticism of the first piece is followed by the suave 2nd capriccio then the dreamlike 3rd intermezzo. Just incredible stuff.
raymond good He won the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1975...after Murray Perahia in '72 and Radu Lupu in '69...😊
@@timothythorne9464 the don't say the three B's for nothing !
JOHN adamson The Three B's: Brahms, Berlioz & Bartok.
Few composers can reach the heights of Brabms. His counterpoint is exceptionally great...his harmonies incredible...his structure personal and gigantic. His works are unique..I love Brahms ...he says so much with so little.
This is perfect. They way the soloist phrases everything shows how vested he is! Wonderful.
I love how you explains and give a summary of each movements. keep it up! I love these
😊 50-odd years of playing and listening to classical piano, and I'm realizing I've never listened to the op 76 set in its entirety until now. Thanks for posting!
me too! I was thinking what is op. 76?!
Is it sure a Brahms composition? 😂😂😮❤
Thank you sir thats a great reassurance that classical music has endless possibilities. I too in the 14 years I have been listening have made new discoveries every year without a disappointment. This year I enjoyed the piano transcription of the Brahms Hungarian dances and of many others.
@@bayarbuyan84there is no way that a 14-years boy would listen to such a genre!
@@dwacheopusi guess he means 14 years of piano , i personally fell for classical music since i was 8 years old so I don't see what's wrong with a younger person loving classical music
Thank you so much for posting these beautiful works--and for your impassioned, poetic analyses.
Wonderful work posting the sheets, time links and commentary. I am discovering Brahms and have enjoyed this video quite a lot. THANK YOU!
I have never known this work of Brahms. So deep and evolute and with a such marvelous interpretation. Thank you so much to share this with us.
Wonderful piece and fantastic performance! Thanks for the upload
i’m glad people still visit videos like this to share comments. music like this is important even with the new music that has come out since then. there’s a certain beauty in a melody with no words that still succeeds in telling a story.
Wonderful understanding of this superb music!
The pianist really gives life to these pieces
What an excellent display of profound understanding of melody and Brahms. I agree that I had not heard some of the hitherto hidden melodies that he brought out. Thank you for posting.
Unfortunately i didn't know Brahms so much till a couple of months ago. But since then as his music starts i can't stop listening to it.
I love seeing people discover Brahms. His music will continue to reward you with repeated listenings. I've been at it for 63 years and I never tire of him.
Quite a gifted and skilled pianist. thanks for posting
Great posting! Thank you! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to know about this great Performer who is not promoted by the usual "commercial" artist promotion networks.
A stupendously awesome pianist . Incredible technique and control . NEW FAN OF THIS PIANIST
I'm getting more and more into Brahms. Your writings are quite evocative. Thank you.
I love to see this! I fell in love with Brahms at age 3, 63 years ago. The more you listen to one of his many masterpieces, the more you discover. His music is incredibly deep - seemingly infinitely so. My favorite artist in any medium. His 3rd Symphony is my favorite work of art, period.
Great posting, great playing! the hardest part (for me) is the odd triple syncopated double rhythm. The last two pages (octave recap) is just a jewel!
🌸 thank you for making these Beautiful pieces available to so many who might never have heard them otherwise…
🌺🌸🌼🌺🌸🌼
sublime
thank you for commentary and music sheet very helpful
Thank you for listening. :)
Great work!
Thank you!
Wonderful to hear this music played, which now only resides in a Brahms book of music that is beyond my ability, except for a few pieces. Inspiration!
Masterful Brahms playing . I'm always surprised to learnnew things in music I've played and known or thought I knew for now over 30 years .
The tempo is perfect!
Благодарю,что предоставили ноты ! Очень занимательно слушать по нотам. Так яснее становится муз.материал.
Wonderful understanding!
The Sostenuto section at 13:10 is... chilling beyond words.
Le deuxième ! Il est tellement topissime, c'est tellement joyeux, agréable, doux, dansant ! Mais j'adoooore !! 😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
A wonderful doorway into a Master who up to now I had resistance to. Love this music
Such rich, Autumnal piano music. Thank you for posting this fine recording, with the scores. These pieces are physically, intellectually, and emotionally difficult to learn and play. Brahms is never easy, but so worth the effort.
Yes. I fully agree with you. :)
Brahms is always worth the effort to get to know, as a performer or listener. Once you open that door and enter, you will be forever rewarded with new discoveries. His music is just so deep.
@@jb8256 beautifully said.
Brahms wealthy and heavy.
Excellent notes and comments. Please keep up the splendid work - and give us more Brahms, today surely one of the world's least understood and most underrated composers for piano?
Nah Brahms is no way in hell underrated
@@potatopotato5027unfortunately he is…along with Schumann…maybe not the most underrated but underrated for sure
Superb.......BRAVO from Acapulco!
.....and once again....4 months later......
Thank you!
I don't always know what to feel when listening to Brahms, hehe.
Capriccio no. 2 is so unique 03:24
wow amazing performance
ブラームスのピアノ曲、なかなか難しいものがたくさんありますが、じっくり聴きたいですね。配信ありがとうございます。
Wonderful 🎶🎵🎶💐
Love the first one!!
Breathless!
Beautiful
너무 좋다 ㅠㅠ ♡ 감사합니다
Fantastic...
1. 00:00
2. 03:24
3. 06:55
4. 09:25
5. 12:44
6. 15:54
7. 20:04
8. 24:03
Quirky music.
Very enjoyable.
Lo que no llega a México , 🇮🇷🥇🖐️ lo tenemos hoy ❤gracias. 😂
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm love Brahms.
Brahms certainly had an amazing left hand !
Brahms piano music is actually diificult to play but i love the melodies because they are profound and aesthetical. It's love-themed and dedicated only to Clara Schumann, the love of his life!
yes, I agree. Brahms pieces are actually very hard to play well
0:30 I need to learn how to play that part on the guitar. Sounds lovely
23:27 This melody reminds me of Glinka's Lark.
Both this and Glinka’s lark reminds me of chopin op55 no1
Chopins F Minor one
toge Ka yes
Great music, clear performance! Thank you. (No. 2 could be orchestrated with clarinets for the thirds, and it would sound like Mahler... 😁)
I love this opus - both playing and listening to others and especially their tempi which for Brahms is always problematical. (I like the B Flat major Intermezzo faster for example). Each and every piece is a gem and Müller gives outstanding performances. Love the "notes" - very informative. I've always practiced with a highlighter and a sharp pencil, changing figuring or marking inner melodies or hand switches. The most difficult is the C sharp minor with its "three hands" clashing with one another. Favorite - No 1
Which one is B major??
@@squirrel4727 Sorry, should have said B Flat Major (corrected). I have been on a Brahms kick for about 18 months now - intermezzos, capricces, romances, etc. In the end it's all about beauty and melody. The Capriccios are especially outstanding in their variety and (again) beauty.
@smb12321 Me too. All his intermezzo-like works, op10, op76, op116~119, are hidden gems. They’re really thoughtful and touching.
That first piece is just incredible in its emotional impact. All of the pieces are wonderful, although I think Brahms went over the top in the 5th piece. Like Beethoven, this composer on occasion went all out for a "shock and awe" effect on the audience.
love it
4:56
18:22 22:33 25:10
5:15-5:18 Melody of Disney’s when you wish upon a Star :)
fuck disney, read the culture industry chapter from dialectic of enlightenment
@Peter Rabbit You are wrong, the Flintstones theme is taken from sonata 17, Tempest. The second movement. Not sonata 26 les adieux.
@Peter Rabbit Easy mistake, could have happened to anyone :)
The 4th one kinda reminds me of Schumann's Humoreske, which is also in B-flat major and starts off with a similar pattern.
Because Brahms has a alter Schumann character in his music.
You can hear the influence of Chopins prelude 25 on the first piece
Thank you for sharing! Can't find this for sale anywhere.
N2 definitely my favourite
Great rendition
Nice.
Какой чудный, тонкий, поэтичный пианист! Какое красивое туше!
Each of these eight pieces in this opus features the half tone prominently in its theme.
The intermezzo no. 7 in a minor- actually, it's melodic line doesn't refer to Chopin nocturne op 55 no. 1, but to Brahms himself. That interval (jump of 4 notes up and descending neighbor notes) is like a signature of Brahms. You can hear it for example in intermezzo op. 118 no. 2 the middle part. Sonata for Clarinet no. 1 the beginning (it's in f minor so it sounds even more like chopin's Nocturne) the clarinet trio- the beginning. (The same key like this intermezzo) Romance op 118 no. 5. Intermezzo op. 117 no. 1. Violin sonata no. 3 the beginning and many many more.
The Performer here is wonderful. Full of emotions and sensitivity. Bringing out lot's of polyphony. Really wonderful.
Thanks for the remark! I did not hear it in the clarinet-trio until now. If you cut the first two notes, right? It's stunning how Brahms, using this uniform motif, managed to create those highly different musical characters.
@@conan2717 Yes! Exactly. Brahms is someone not from our world :)
All the works you are citing as comparanda were composed at least ~10 years following the publication of this set of miniatures, whereas Chopin's op.55 nocturnes were published when Brahms was 11 years old. Chopin's influence here wouldn't appear wholly improbable to me.
@@vaclavmiller8032 Of course. Who knows what happened in his unconscious. But the melodic subject- the amount it appears in his late pieces- it looks like a conscious decision.
@@Tsamnon Oh I was confused as to the point you were making then - I definitely agree with you in principle.
Schumann's Humoureske is a very complex work resembling the collections of Brahm's piano collections. The Humoureske concludes with a massive coda that he titles Zum Schluss (..the conclusion). These cycles of Brahms a Schumann differ in the cohesive nature of how they conclude. Schumann seems to bring closure with his 1835+ works as a whole. Brahms does this within an individual piece, but not so much as a whole collection.
13:28 This Chord progression has been used often in classical music, in Chopin's Ballade (I think No. 3) and Schumanns Sonata No. 1. Also the whole passage before this moment sounds like Chopin's Ballade No. 3
can you tell me what's happening there? why does it sound so good?
I think it's going down the D sharp minor scale: D# minor, C# major, B major, Bb major, while the right hand is playing 3 note sequences.
But what I wrote could be eharmonically incorrect.
@@tarikeld11 It's just going through the circle of fifths in thirds.
As you've said, it pervades classical music more than perhaps any other element ; it's pretty obvious here, as in Chopin's ballade and Schumann's sonata, but you pretty much won't find a piece where it isn't used under one guise or another.
It's also the easiest way to modulate, which participates to why it's so widely used (other than it being beautiful)...
@@pierredbss9638 But there's more than just going through the circle of 5th, it's also the melody - Repeating three steps up the scale, and this pattern is always sequenced one step down. Sorry if this is confusing, let me give a simple example: E F# G D E F C D E
I like the footnotes and time markers. Are the notes from a book/commentary, or your analysis?
kevin lee I am happy that it appeals to you! Those are just my thoughts about the pieces.
well done.
La prima volta che li vedo eseguiti assieme. Buona perfomance !
第二番の ロ短調のカプリチオが特に好きで、こんな風に弾いてみたいわ〜案外難しいですが、私にとっては・・・
I'm struck by how similar the opening melody of the no. 7 piece in A minor is to Chopin's op. 55 no. 1. Is it just a coincidence? It seems unlikely...
Omggg I was thinking about that too. It's just too similar
it’s an intentional quote from chopin
@@ChopinIsMyBestFriend Ah thank goodness we have someone who knew Brahms personally
@@anosmianAcrimony Culmination of research of his letters points to that being his intention. Also he quotes Robert Schumann in the B Minor Capriccio which paraphrases the 12th piece of Davidsbündlertänze. It is especially obvious if you are a pianist and have played Op. 55 of Chopin. It’s obvious to see and you’d be stupid to dismiss it. He was an admirer of Chopin. Makes sense.
此シリーズ(ブラームスOp76の全曲)の内では、1番(嬰ヘ短調)と、8番(ハ長調)がイイデスネ!!
Op76-7’s theme sounds very similar to one of Chopin’s nocturnes 48-2 I believe 😊
actually 55/1, the poster's notes note this as well.
Услышала хорошую историю,
5:15 sounds like the Disney melody, LOL
Love 20:07-23:59❤❤❤
Brahms ❤
no 1 is amazing
no 8 is so good its scary
On writing number 4 in this collection Brhams must have been listening to Faure nocturnes.
Un'esecuzione eccellente di otto capolavori
13:28 - 13:30 i feel Chopin's ballade op 47
yes
And Schumann's first sonata
The last piece (the C major one) is actually a very special one because the music is being developed restlessly. There’s no recapitulation or something like that. This makes it difficult to deeply understand the structural logic behind this piece.
It sounds like a Chopin prelude! Brahms certainly had great affinity for the polyphonic aspects of Chopins music expressed through romantic lenses. Brahms is a different beast from Chopin altogether though, which makes it all that more intriguing.
That last capriccio is a perfect, restful ending to a rather turbulent set. It's a rhapsody in the truest sense: it's free form without any repeating phrases, although the effect is a highly controlled, structured work. This jewel of a piece foreshadows Faure and Debussy.
@@timothythorne9464 Even Scriabin!
I hear the Faure resemblance too!
3:43, 5:40, 14:37, 25:45
Cappricios is proof that Brahms influence by Paganini like many other composers
20:04 Chopin Op. 55 No. 1
Do you have any references for saying 7 A theme was formed after "Chopin's f minor-Nocturne op. 55/1" ? I've always noticed the similarity but it could be a coincidence, never heard that Brahms actually did that on purpose.
Intermezzo of the second to last work... Isn't that one of the 16 waltzes?
Who is the pianist? Everyone is praising this but no mention. I like it too..
Dmitri Alexeeve
@@MaryElizabethRaines-mf7oy Thank you!
Does anyone else hear Beethoven's Hammerklavier 3rd movement at 2:01?
1:34 Bill Evans - Waltz For Debby?
20:05 Chopin's f minor nocturne?
motive from Deku tree theme at 00:30 , anyone?
5:13 disney theme? :D
Actually Pinocchio but ok.
I hate you google for putting ads
0:30
I like all of them, but especially the sixth, in which the right hand is in 2/4 when the left is in 6/8 and vice versa. So typical of Brahms, who combines the cerebral with the dance.
1:34, 13:23, 26:09
13:23 isn't that a reference to Schumann's 1st (circle of fifths in the finale) or Chopin's 3rd ballade?
13:31 also because they sound like the chromatic jumps the coda of Schumann's 1st sonata begins with
12:45
5th is extremely difficult
I have a hard time hearing how the d# in the 8th piece suggests a minor.
Is it just me or does the the seventh one sounds a lot like Chopin's nocturne in F minor. The beginning at least