Personally this is my favourite symphony of Brahms. Whilst brahms never had the reputation of being the composer with a huge amount of variety of music, i.e - the cliche of brahm’s ‘autumnal warmth’..but the cliche is not really all that accurate. The partly cloudy nostalgia of the second, the anger and rage of the 4th, the diametrically opposed characters of the two piano concerti, the openess of the violin concerto, and the stormy drama of the piano quartet in g minor. Each of those pieces had its own fundamental character different from anything else brahms had written. Personally I think that his third symphony is the most unique - a cyclical symphony written in a major key, a symphony that essentially doesn’t have a slow movement and ends quietly. I feel like brahms 3 takes you on a journey that is completely different from his other symphonies. And yet everything that is there to love in brahms is in his 3rd symphony - continuous development, his warm and “autumnal” orchestration and the motto that runs through the entire work.
Audiences in the 19th century were much less forgiving than today‘s. When they didn’t like a piece they had no shame in booing and leaving early. Today if we’re in a contemporary concert and don’t like it, we sit through and endure it, and probably still applaud in the end :)
I LOVE these analyses! I can't wait for Brahms Symphony No. 4. It's my favourite. Especially that part 60% the way through the first movement where the theme has developed into this watery and hypnotic, almost cinematic detour before turning back to the opening theme. Everyone that I make listen to this movement seems to marvel at that moment, even if they never heard of Brahms or listen to orchestral symphonies.
For me this simphony (especially the 3rd movement) is the definition of great music. I love when amazing things are this simple. Btw this channel is exactly what I needed.
Just stumbled upon 3rd movement on spotify and I was captivated. Came to this channel and found this video. Thanks for educating me about this beautiful music.
Something I learned (forever ago) in college -- sixths, esp. major sixths, esp. ascending ones, play a role of significant importance in a surprisingly large portion of all of Brahms' melodies. All, not just the symphonies. But noticeable in the first several bars of the first movement here.
The third is probably my favourite symphony of Brahms, wich is hard to say because I do love them all... Glad you pointed out the quiet endings of the movements, it's probably one of my favourite 'features' of this symphony, the way each movement, no matter how fierce or angry, ends in glowfull, autumnal resignation. By the way, the first time I listened to the third was that Abbado recording on vinyl, still a favourite of mine... More recently I've loved Gardiner's recording with his ORR and on youtube a recording of the Concertgebouworkest led by Blomstedt, really worth checking out!
The third movement is sublime. My favorite part of Brahms's output, though, is his chamber music, late piano pieces, and the Second Piano Concerto - without a doubt the most incredible piano concerto I know of
That's a good question which I *believe* I answer in my video on Sonata form! But a theme is like a tune, a melody, which probably recurs throughout a movement. A 'subject' *can* be a theme. But in Sonata form, subject is often used as in "First Subject" and "Second Subject", which denotes the two contrasting sections of sonata form exposition. They'll typically be in two different keys, often two different groups of melodies, and often two contrasting moods as well. So the first and second subjects are essentially two contrasting sections, in a sonata form. Hope this makes sense. The language can be confusing
You are right it is some of the most beautiful music, and these videos couldn't be bettered as introductions. I wouldn't mind if they were twice as long. Just how one feels about the music itself. But music has to leave you wanting more as a condition of its being a source of pleasure in the first place.
Have always enjoyed this symphony since my teens. My go-to recording has to be the 'pairing' with the _Tragic Overture_ and _Alto Rhapsody_ on DG, with James Levine, Vienna Phil. and Anne Sofie von Otter. The whole recording covers the full spectrum of emotions but one of dark to light, and so is lifts the spirits.
Great work! I'll just point out that there's one little mistake in notation: In the main theme of the 3rd mvt (time 8:05), bar 5 should be Bb-Ab-D, and not G-F-D again...
I once heard this with a vocal operatic male. I lost the recording when my mobile phone got lost. Can you tell me who sang it? Thanks in advance. James from Scotland
I have to admit I prefer it if Brahms ended this symphony more triumphantly.. there's too much darkness to light journey. And it feels like he hasn't really achieved anything. This feels more like material from a symphonic poem, rather than a structured symphony. But that 3rd movement is still very beautiful and is a gem in itself...
Personally this is my favourite symphony of Brahms. Whilst brahms never had the reputation of being the composer with a huge amount of variety of music, i.e - the cliche of brahm’s ‘autumnal warmth’..but the cliche is not really all that accurate.
The partly cloudy nostalgia of the second, the anger and rage of the 4th, the diametrically opposed characters of the two piano concerti, the openess of the violin concerto, and the stormy drama of the piano quartet in g minor. Each of those pieces had its own fundamental character different from anything else brahms had written. Personally I think that his third symphony is the most unique - a cyclical symphony written in a major key, a symphony that essentially doesn’t have a slow movement and ends quietly. I feel like brahms 3 takes you on a journey that is completely different from his other symphonies. And yet everything that is there to love in brahms is in his 3rd symphony - continuous development, his warm and “autumnal” orchestration and the motto that runs through the entire work.
I second every you’ve said, beautifully expressed
I've been looking forward to this. 😊
Me too
This series has been a triumph! Can't wait for the finale!
just listened to his fourth symphony a few days ago so i'm looking forward to this one!
thanks for the video
Audiences in the 19th century were much less forgiving than today‘s. When they didn’t like a piece they had no shame in booing and leaving early. Today if we’re in a contemporary concert and don’t like it, we sit through and endure it, and probably still applaud in the end :)
Well... A composer surely appreciates honesty...
I LOVE these analyses! I can't wait for Brahms Symphony No. 4. It's my favourite. Especially that part 60% the way through the first movement where the theme has developed into this watery and hypnotic, almost cinematic detour before turning back to the opening theme. Everyone that I make listen to this movement seems to marvel at that moment, even if they never heard of Brahms or listen to orchestral symphonies.
Merci beaucoup for this.
For me this simphony (especially the 3rd movement) is the definition of great music. I love when amazing things are this simple. Btw this channel is exactly what I needed.
The opening of the symphony is like sharp swords piercing into my heart
Just stumbled upon 3rd movement on spotify and I was captivated. Came to this channel and found this video. Thanks for educating me about this beautiful music.
The only symphony in the canon that goes from joyous and confident to uncertain and unhappy
8:11 the fourth bar is wrong. IT should be b-flat, a- flat, d.
But nice Video!
You're absolutely right! Thanks
thank you for videos like these! the way you describe each movement is so in-detail but also concise. you don’t know how much i appreciate these
Something I learned (forever ago) in college -- sixths, esp. major sixths, esp. ascending ones, play a role of significant importance in a surprisingly large portion of all of Brahms' melodies. All, not just the symphonies. But noticeable in the first several bars of the first movement here.
My humble request a couple of videos ago has been granted! Thank you so much!
Great job as always. Appreciate the work!
One of my favorite symphonies!
Mine too, together with the 4th
Please do Tchaik 5!!! This vid was very helpful by the way, I've been wanting to get into Brahms Symphonies
The third is probably my favourite symphony of Brahms, wich is hard to say because I do love them all... Glad you pointed out the quiet endings of the movements, it's probably one of my favourite 'features' of this symphony, the way each movement, no matter how fierce or angry, ends in glowfull, autumnal resignation.
By the way, the first time I listened to the third was that Abbado recording on vinyl, still a favourite of mine... More recently I've loved Gardiner's recording with his ORR and on youtube a recording of the Concertgebouworkest led by Blomstedt, really worth checking out!
The third movement is sublime. My favorite part of Brahms's output, though, is his chamber music, late piano pieces, and the Second Piano Concerto - without a doubt the most incredible piano concerto I know of
Totally agree!
I have a question: What is the difference between a subject and a theme?
That's a good question which I *believe* I answer in my video on Sonata form! But a theme is like a tune, a melody, which probably recurs throughout a movement. A 'subject' *can* be a theme. But in Sonata form, subject is often used as in "First Subject" and "Second Subject", which denotes the two contrasting sections of sonata form exposition. They'll typically be in two different keys, often two different groups of melodies, and often two contrasting moods as well. So the first and second subjects are essentially two contrasting sections, in a sonata form. Hope this makes sense. The language can be confusing
@@InsidetheScore Thank you.
Amazing analysis! Thanks for your work!!!
You are right it is some of the most beautiful music, and these videos couldn't be bettered as introductions. I wouldn't mind if they were twice as long. Just how one feels about the music itself. But music has to leave you wanting more as a condition of its being a source of pleasure in the first place.
Brahms third racket! Love it!
Have always enjoyed this symphony since my teens.
My go-to recording has to be the 'pairing' with the _Tragic Overture_ and _Alto Rhapsody_ on DG, with James Levine, Vienna Phil. and Anne Sofie von Otter. The whole recording covers the full spectrum of emotions but one of dark to light, and so is lifts the spirits.
I'm now looking forward to the 4th
Great work!
I'll just point out that there's one little mistake in notation: In the main theme of the 3rd mvt (time 8:05), bar 5 should be Bb-Ab-D, and not G-F-D again...
Loved this! Thank you. Could I request you make a video on Shostakovich’s 5th?😁
yes! this is Brahm’s best imo
Very helpfull guide for a fantastic symphonie. Can you do one for Brahms Requiem?
Is there any chance that you’ll cover one of the Shostakovich’s symphonies?
Please more videos and podcasts about mahler specially symphonies 1 5 6 and 9
The tritone between the first two big chords in the opening of the first movement always remind me of The Simpsons theme opening
"And so on..." 😌
Brahms' Third Racket! :)
I hope you're joking..
@@mr-wx3lv Its from Faulty Towers.
Sorry, Fawlty Towers.... '...and turn that racket off!'
'Its Brahms' Third Racket'
It's Brahms! ...
Brahms third racket!
Thank you for your analysis video! A little suggestion: It's 1883 not 1833. ; )
thanks
I once heard this with a vocal operatic male. I lost the recording when my mobile phone got lost. Can you tell me who sang it? Thanks in advance. James from Scotland
I don‘t think that there is any singer
I have to admit I prefer it if Brahms ended this symphony more triumphantly.. there's too much darkness to light journey. And it feels like he hasn't really achieved anything. This feels more like material from a symphonic poem, rather than a structured symphony. But that 3rd movement is still very beautiful and is a gem in itself...
It's two WEEKS free on primephonic
👏
Not the greatest Brahms symphony, but my favorite.
Unpopular opinion: I like the first movement more then the third
Who else is waiting for Brahms 4?!?!
Me 😂😂