Brahms composed his Variations on a Theme by Handel in a remarkably short time in September 1861 as a birthday gift for Clara Schumann.
Compositional Technique
Brahms's transcription of J.S. Bach's Chaconne from the Partita in D minor is arranged solely for the left hand, pushing the boundaries of pianistic virtuosity.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms consciously decided to follow Robert Schumann and Felix Mendelssohn, confronting the musical legacies of Bach and Beethoven, whom he felt 'marching behind' him.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms's artistic personality is characterized by a dialectic between 'classical rigor and Romantic freedom,' a fundamental aspect of his compositions.
Composer Biography
Brahms's piano teacher, Eduard Marxsen, had studied with Carl Maria von Bocklet, a pianist who premiered works by Franz Schubert.
Composer Biography
Brahms's partnership with Hungarian violinist Eduard Reményi sparked his lifelong love for Hungarian folk music and led to his first encounter with Franz Liszt.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms's Ballades and Rhapsodies reveal his lifelong fascination with folk song, which he also pursued as a collector.
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Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Handel, Op.24 & 4 Piano Pieces
Brahms: 25 Variations & Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24 & 8 Piano Pieces, Op. 76 (Live)
Brahms: Händel Variations
Brahms: Acht Klavierstücke & Zwei Rhapsodien
Brahms: Works for Piano
The Muse
Brahms: Four Ballades, Op. 10; Eight Piano Pieces, Op. 76; Rhapsodies, Op. 79; Intermezzi, Op. 117
Brahms: Klavierstücke, Op. 119 - Variations on a Hungarian Song, Op. 21 - Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 21
