Brahms dedicated his Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann to Julie Schumann, Robert and Clara Schumann's 16-year-old daughter, with whom he later fell in love.
Composition History
The thematic material for most of Brahms' Hungarian Dances consists of arrangements and adaptations of existing melodies, not original compositions by Brahms.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms aimed to 'tame' the wild sounds of Roma music to introduce it to audiences unfamiliar with its virtuosity and improvisational style.
Performer Biography
Wyneke Jordans and Leo van Doeselaar were the first piano four-hands duo to tour China, during their 2005/2006 tour.
Instruments
This recording features a Blüthner Grand Piano from around 1867, part of the Edwin Beunk Collection.
Composition History
Brahms' Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann op. 23 were based on a theme Schumann composed shortly before attempting suicide and being institutionalized.
Critical Reception
Music critic Theodor Helm described Brahms' piano playing as 'more ingenious than technically beautiful' in 1879, noting his ability to draw an astonishingly rich tone from the keys.
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Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68 (Version for Four Hands)
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