The two Op. 120 Sonatas were originally composed for clarinet and piano, inspired by clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld, whom Brahms affectionately called 'Miss Clarinet'.
Composition History
The song 'Geistliches Wiegenlied' was composed by Brahms for the 1863 wedding of his friend, violinist Joseph Joachim, and alto singer Amalie Weiss, but they received it later for their first child's baptism.
Composition History
Brahms himself arranged the Op. 120 Sonatas for viola and piano, entirely rewriting the leading part to suit the viola's expressive character.
Compositional Technique
The viola sonatas, Op. 120, are considered cornerstones of the instrument's repertoire, reflecting Brahms's late period style of 'economy, yet richness' as described by Arnold Schönberg.
Performer Biography
Péter Bársony, the viola player on this album, debuted as a soloist in 2013 at New York's Carnegie Hall with the American Symphony Orchestra.
Compositional Technique
In 'Geistliches Wiegenlied', Brahms incorporated a medieval Christmas carol, 'Joseph, lieber Joseph', into the viola part, alluding to Joseph Joachim's first name.
Composition History
Brahms initially intended to retire from composing in 1890, but a concert featuring clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld inspired him to create new chamber music.
