Brahms's Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn were initially conceived for two pianos, then orchestrated, marking a crucial step before the completion of his First Symphony.
Historical Context
Brahms cared for Robert and Clara Schumann's seven children like a father figure after Robert Schumann's admission to a sanatorium in 1854 until his death in 1856.
Compositional Technique
Both Brahms and Clara Schumann had large, stretchable hands, which enabled Brahms to transcribe complex string writing with many double-stops for piano with minimal changes.
Composition History
Brahms arranged Bach's Chaconne for violin solo for left hand alone, stating that it was the only way he could derive 'undiluted joy' from the piece, and wrote it down specifically for Clara Schumann.
Composer Biography
Johannes Brahms dedicated works to Clara Schumann, composed others with her in mind, and arranged pieces by himself and other composers for piano for her.
Composition History
Brahms's arrangement of the second movement of his String Sextet Op. 18 for piano was a birthday gift to Clara Schumann in 1860, initially remaining unpublished due to its 'private' nature and technical difficulty.
Critical Reception
The orchestral version of Brahms's Haydn Variations premiered with triumphant success in 1873 with the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by the composer.
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