Brahms: Haydn Variations & Piano Concerto No. 1

Featuring

Walter Weller
Plamena Mangova
Belgian National Orchestra
Orchestre National de Belgique
Johannes Brahms

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Composition History

The second movement of the Piano Concerto No. 1, Adagio, originally bore the motto "Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini," likely referring to Robert Schumann, whom Brahms sometimes called 'Mein Herr Domine.'

Composition History

Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor originated in 1854 as a symphony, then a sonata for two pianos, before being transformed into a concerto with the help of Julius Grimm and Clara Schumann.

Performer Biography

Walter Weller, the conductor, became a member of the Vienna Philharmonic at age 17 and later founded the successful Weller Quartet, whose complete recordings were re-released in 2006.

Compositional Technique

The Piano Concerto No. 1 was criticized for its overly symphonic character and its departure from traditional concerto form, integrating the piano more intimately with the orchestra.

Critical Reception

The premiere of Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 1 in Hanover in 1859 was a 'flop,' and a subsequent performance in Leipzig was even worse, met with whistling from the audience.

Compositional Technique

In the Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Brahms treats the traditional St. Anthony Chorale radically, focusing on structure and bass line rather than just melody, leading to a varied and free atmosphere.