The Scherzo, while often performed alone, was originallyBrahms’ contribution to a collaborative project with RobertSchumann and Albert Dietrich. Dedicated to the Hungarian violinist JosephJoachim, the work was entitled F-A-E Sonata after Joachim’s motto,"Frei aber einsam," or "Free but lonely." It was premiered by the dedicatee in theSchumann household with Clara Schumann at the piano. The piece begins with a fortedeclaration by the violin of a rhythmic pattern reminiscent of the “Fate” motive inBeethoven’s Fifth Symphony. A lively conversation ensues,the melodic lines marked by Brahms’ characteristic rhythmical shifts. The scherzocharacter is interrupted by the calmer Trio section, where the instruments tradeyearning melodies and passionate undercurrents. The scherzoreturns and leads to a triumphal coda to conclude the work.Vincent Meklis
Classical Music | Violin Music
Johannes Brahms
Scherzo in c from F-A-E Sonata Play
Recorded on 03/16/2016, uploaded on 12/28/2016
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
The Scherzo, while often performed alone, was originally Brahms’ contribution to a collaborative project with Robert Schumann and Albert Dietrich. Dedicated to the Hungarian violinist Joseph Joachim, the work was entitled F-A-E Sonata after Joachim’s motto, "Frei aber einsam," or "Free but lonely." It was premiered by the dedicatee in the Schumann household with Clara Schumann at the piano. The piece begins with a forte declaration by the violin of a rhythmic pattern reminiscent of the “Fate” motive in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. A lively conversation ensues, the melodic lines marked by Brahms’ characteristic rhythmical shifts. The scherzo character is interrupted by the calmer Trio section, where the instruments trade yearning melodies and passionate undercurrents. The scherzo returns and leads to a triumphal coda to conclude the work. Vincent Meklis
More music by Johannes Brahms
Paganini variatons
Capriccio in d minor, Op 116, No. 7, from Seven Fantasies
Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Capriccio in c-sharp minor, from Eight piano pieces, Op. 76
Intermezzo in E Major, Op. 116, No. 4, from Seven Fantasies
Schicksalslied, Op. 54
Intermezzo in A Major, from Eight piano pieces, Op. 76
Intermezzo in e minor, Op. 116, No. 5, from Seven Fantasies
Intermezzo in b minor, Op. 119, No. 1
Klavierstücke op. 118 - VI. Intermezzo
Performances by same musician(s)
Sonata for Violin and Piano
Notturno and Tarantella, Op. 28
Classical Music for the Internet Era™
Courtesy of International Music Foundation.