Brahms worked almost concurrently on two violin sonatas and the second cello sonata (1885-1886) after a number of years passed without writing another violin sonata.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms preferred the term "sonata for piano and violin" over "violin sonata" to emphasize that the works are a collaboration between two equally important instruments, not just violin with accompaniment.
Performer Biography
Nils-Erik Sparf, the violinist on this recording, comes from a long line of Dalecarlian fiddlers and began playing folk music with his father at a very early age.
Composer Biography
Johannes Brahms composed his violin concerto in close cooperation with Joseph Joachim, a Hungarian-born violinist who championed several contemporary composers.
Composition History
Brahms composed his first violin sonata in G major during the summers of 1878 and 1879 while staying in Pörtschach am Wörthersee.
Compositional Technique
The first violin sonata in G major is known as the "Rain sonata" due to a thematic similarity with Brahms's song "Regenlied" (Rain Song), whose introductory dotted motif is found in every movement.
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Brahms: Sonata for Piano and Violin No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 108: IV. Presto agitato
Brahms: Sonata for Piano and Violin No. 2 in A Major, Op. 100: I. Allegro amabile
Brahms: Complete Violin Sonatas
Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 100 & Clarinet Sonata No. 2, Op. 120 No. 2
