Classical Music | Orchestral Music

Recorded on 08/20/2009, uploaded on 08/20/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 73        Johannes Brahms

While the 22 years it took Johannes Brahms to complete his first symphony seems unusually long, in contrast, the 1 year it took for him to compose his second symphony is almost equally unusual. The Symphony No. 2 in D major was composed during the summer of 1877 which Brahms spent in Pörtschach am Wörthersee, a town in the Austrian province of Carinthia. It is one of his most well-known symphonies and has often been compared to the pastoral mood of another great example in symphonic literature-Beethoven's Symphony No. 6. The symphony is often described as sunny and genial, which is in part true, however, dark clouds do pass through particularly in the first movement. Brahms characterized the piece himself in a letter to Elisabet von Herzogenberg:

"You have only to sit at the piano, put your small feet on the two pedals in turn, and strike the chord of F minor several times in succession, first in the treble, then in the bass (ff and pp), and you will gradually gain a vivid impression of my 'latest.'"

Now, it is more than likely that Brahms was, at least, partially joking. However, minor tonalities make their presence known, enriching the overall major-key sonority of the composition.

As is expected of Brahms, the four movements are ingeniously linked thematically. The different melodies of the four movements all spring from the four notes in the cellos and basses that open the first movement. This figure (a semitonal oscillation followed by the leap down of a fourth) reappears in numerous places in different rhythms and even inverted in the third movement. The consequent melodies that result from this tiny germ are also vastly different from those of his First Symphony. Whereas, the First was greatly inspired by the symphonies of Beethoven, the melodies of the Second show more the lyrical influence of Schubert. It is interesting to note, the second subject of the first movement is based on one of Brahms' most familiar melodies-the Wiegenlied, otherwise known as "Brahms' Lullaby".

The third movement is a graceful intermezzo, a form, which like the scherzo, Brahms developed to a high degree. As it is the "dance" movement of the symphony, Brahms draws from his studies of Classical and pre-Classical period music. Within this movement, there are characteristics of both the waltz and the older gigue. The orchestration is also reminiscent of earlier times by means of its diminished use of the brass and a greater emphasis on the strings and woodwinds.

The finale, one of Brahms' most festive works, has no match in any of his other orchestral music, even surpassing the Triumphleid. The movement is a bravura display of orchestral and contrapuntal skill. Where the previous movements show the melodic influence of Schubert, this finale is no doubt influenced by the works of Handel, who Brahms greatly admired and studied.       Joseph DuBose

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William VerMeulen, horn

Courtesy of The International Festival-Institute at Round Top

Located in historic Round Top, Texas, The James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts and its sole project, The International Festival-Institute at Round Top, were founded in 1971 by world-renowned concert pianist James Dick. Begun with a handful of gifted young pianists in rented space on the town square, the project is now an internationally acclaimed European-styled music institute for aspiring young musicians and distinguished faculty. Over a thirty eight year period and with the help of its patrons and friends, The James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts has developed superb year round education and performance programs.