Brahms: Œuvres pour deux pianos (Intégrale musique de chambre), Vol. 9

Featuring

Théo Fouchenneret
Éric Le Sage
Johannes Brahms

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Instruments

This recording features two Chris Maene Straight Strung Concert Grand Pianos, a modern instrument inspired by historical pianos and commissioned by Daniel Barenboim in 2013.

Composition History

The Sonata for Two Pianos, Opus 34b, began as a string quartet that Brahms burned after receiving reservations from Clara Schumann and Joseph Joachim, before transforming it into a two-piano sonata.

Composition History

Brahms's Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, Opus 56b, were originally written for two pianos in 1873 before being orchestrated for a larger ensemble later that year.

Composer Biography

Johannes Brahms, the composer, cherished chamber music ensembles and composed for them throughout his entire life, being equally comfortable with duets and sextets.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Brahms believed the bass line was more important than the melody, stating, "It is the true guide which controls the fantasia."

Recording & Production

This album is part of a larger project to record all of Brahms's chamber music with the same group of musicians.

Critical Reception

Clara Schumann, a pianist and composer, criticized Brahms's Sonata for Two Pianos, Opus 34b, suggesting it was too full of ideas for pianos and required an entire orchestra.