Brahms is described as a Romantic composer who used Classical resources, combining both with a 'folk' element.
Composer Biography
Arnold Schoenberg, a 20th-century composer, considered Brahms a bold innovator due to his chromaticism and undermining of the tonal system.
Composition History
Brahms's two Op. 120 Sonatas were originally written for clarinet, and he later reworked them for viola.
Recording & Production
This recording was supported by The Johannes-Wasmuth-Society e.V., an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of impresario Johannes Wasmuth and supporting young musicians.
Interpretation
Nils Mönkemeyer commissioned new arrangements for most of the Hungarian Dances on this album, with the exception of the first dance, which uses Joseph Joachim's version.
Interpretation
Nils Mönkemeyer, the violist on this recording, plays the E-flat major Sonata (Op. 120 No. 2) from the original clarinet part to achieve a brighter, more floating sound.
Composition History
Brahms was not entirely satisfied with the viola version of the second sonata (Op. 120 No. 2), feeling it had turned out too dark.
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