The Second Violin Sonata was written by Brahms in anticipation of the arrival of his dear friend, the contralto Hermine Spies, who was 24 years his junior.
Composition History
Brahms's Third Violin Sonata, dedicated to conductor Hans von Bülow, is longer and more dramatic than his previous sonatas, almost symphonic in scale.
Composer Biography
Johannes Brahms was highly self-critical and discarded four sonatas for piano and violin before allowing his Sonata No. 1 in G major to be published.
Composition History
Brahms composed his Second Violin Sonata in 1886 in Hofstetten, Switzerland, alongside his Second Cello Sonata and Third Piano Trio.
Composition History
Brahms composed almost all of his works for the violin with his longtime friend and collaborator, Joseph Joachim, in mind.
Compositional Technique
Brahms used his earlier songs, Regenlied and Nachklang, as a creative impulse for his First Violin Sonata, incorporating their melodies and themes.
Composition History
Brahms's First Violin Sonata was composed during his stay at Pörtschach-am-See, a retreat where he felt the air bristled with melodies.
