Johannes Brahms, a virtuoso pianist, wrote many concise and intimate solo piano works, despite also composing two large-scale piano concertos.
Recording & Production
This recording was made in January 2005 at Symfonien, Aalborg, Denmark.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms consciously recalled the opening of Beethoven's 'Hammerklavier' Sonata in his C major Sonata, proudly announcing himself as a successor to Beethoven.
Composition History
Brahms composed his Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann as a tribute to Clara Schumann, after Robert Schumann had been institutionalized.
Composition History
The first of Brahms's Ballades, Op. 10, has a non-musical narrative, drawing inspiration from the Scottish ballad "Edward."
Performer Biography
Oleg Marshev, the pianist on this recording, is a direct representative of the fifth generation of Russian pianists since Liszt, through his teachers.
Composition History
Brahms's Piano Sonata no. 1, published as his Opus 1, was actually the second piano sonata he composed.
You might also enjoy...
Brahms: Early Piano Works, Vol. 1
Brahms: Haydn Variations, Op. 56b, Waltzes, Op. 39 & Sonata in F Minor, Op. 34b
