Brahms' parents made significant sacrifices for his education, providing him with piano lessons and a horn, following his father's example, despite their financial situation.
Album & Artwork
The album cover features the painting "Fifth Street C09.04 (2009)" by Caio Fonseca, a celebrated artist and talented musician who is a dear friend of the performers.
Composition History
Brahms dedicated his Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38 to Josef Gänsbacher, an amateur cellist and renowned Viennese singing teacher, after performing it privately with him.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in March 2024 at Sol Joseph Recital Hall, San Francisco, within the Bowes Center at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Critical Reception
The daring opening of Brahms' Cello Sonata No. 2 surprised even Arnold Schoenberg, who found it 'indigestible', and Hugo Wolf, who considered it 'utterly chaotic'.
Composition History
Brahms dedicated his Cello Sonata No. 2 in F Major, Op. 99 to Robert Hausmann, a German-born cellist known for his powerful playing, who was also a member of the Joachim Quartet.
Interpretation
Performers Alisa Weilerstein and Inon Barnatan chose to record Brahms' Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Major in its original key, but an octave lower, to utilize the cello's warmer middle register.
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Brahms: Sonatas, Op. 38 & 39
Brahms: Cello Sonatas Opp. 38, 78 and 99
Johannes Brahms: The Two Sonatas for Cello and Piano
