Johannes Brahms, the composer, destroyed an early violin sonata in A minor because he was self-critical.
Composition History
Brahms published alternative versions for viola and violin of his two clarinet and piano sonatas, Op. 120, in 1895.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms believed that in variations, the bass line and harmonic sequence were sacred, forming the solid ground for his musical stories, while the melody was merely 'playing around'.
Composition History
Brahms contributed a scherzo to a collaborative sonata for his friend Joseph Joachim, based on the notes F-A-E, which stood for Joachim's motto 'Frei, aber einsam' ('Free but alone').
Performer Biography
Roland Pöntinen, the pianist on this album, has performed with major orchestras worldwide since his 1981 debut and has had many works dedicated to him by composers.
Performer Biography
Ulf Wallin, the violinist on this album, has made over 45 CD recordings and is a professor of violin at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna.
Compositional Technique
When adapting his clarinet sonatas for violin, Brahms had to make considerable revisions to the clarinet part due to the violin's more limited lower range, which also led to changes in the piano part.
You might also enjoy...
Brahms: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3
Brahms: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1-3, Opp. 78, 100 and 108
