Brahms's First Symphony uses the principle of 'developing variation', where a motif is gradually changed into new melodic forms, creating high musical logic and coherence.
Composer Biography
Johannes Brahms was under immense pressure to compose his first symphony, with his circle of friends, led by Robert Schumann, and the music world anxiously awaiting it.
Critical Reception
Brahms's First Symphony, Op. 68, premiered in Karlsruhe on November 4, 1876, and was so successful it became known as 'Beethoven's Tenth'.
Composition History
The theme for Brahms's Haydn Variations, Op. 56a, titled 'Chorale St. Antonii', was likely not written by Joseph Haydn himself, but by one of his pupils, possibly Ignaz Pleyel.
Composition History
Brahms made three 'attempts' at symphonies before completing his First Symphony, with earlier versions either put aside or integrated into other works.
Recording & Production
This recording was made possible by a generous gift from Jack W. Geltz and is a co-production between Pittsburgh Symphony Inc. and PentaTone Music B.V.
Recording & Production
Polyhymnia International, the recording facility, was founded in 1998 as a management buy-out by key personnel of the former Philips Classics Recording Center.
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