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Brahms, Johannes : 7 Fantasien Op.116

Work Overview

Music ID : 1550
Composition Year:1892 
Publication Year:1892
First Publisher:Simrock
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:fantasy
Total Playing Time:23 min 30 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Wada, Mayuko

Last Updated: August 1, 2007
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

It consists of three Capriccios and four Intermezzos. The Capriccios possess a passionate character, while the Intermezzos have a dreamlike quality.

At the time, Brahms was 59 years old. Op. 116 is his first collection of short pieces from his late period. In particular, Opp. 116-119 constitute a group of masterpieces that can be considered the culmination of Brahms's work.

Composed in 1892, many of these pieces are written in a simple and clear ternary form.

Nevertheless, their compositional technique is more refined and elaborate.

While imbued with inspiration, many of these works convey a sense of late-life solitude and resignation.

The title "Fantasien" should be understood as having no particularly deep meaning, but rather being used in a free sense, implying a disregard for strict form.

1. Capriccio in D minor / Nr.1 "Capriccio"

Presto energico. An etude-like piece.

2. Intermezzo in A minor / Nr.2 "Intermezzo"

Andante. Possesses a fantastical atmosphere. In ternary form.

3. Capriccio in G minor / Nr.3 "Capriccio"

Allegro passionato. The passionate first section contrasts with the solemn middle section. Furthermore, three motives are skillfully employed, creating a sense of unity throughout the piece. This piece is renowned for clearly demonstrating Brahms's late-period technique.

4. Intermezzo in E major / Nr.4 "Intermezzo"

Adagio. A nocturne-like piece. The two fragmentary motives at the beginning are significant.

5. Intermezzo in E minor / Nr.5 "Intermezzo"

Andante con grazia ed intimissimo sentimento.

Harmonic ingenuity and counterpoint are evident. By avoiding notes on strong beats, a unique atmosphere is created.

6. Intermezzo in E major / Nr.6 "Intermezzo"

Andantino teneramente. Consists of contrapuntal sections and song-without-words-like sections. A piece with a gentle atmosphere.

7. Capriccio in D minor / Nr.7 "Capriccio"

Allegro agitato. The right and left hands move in contrary motion, creating an impressive effect.

Writer: Wada, Mayuko

Movements (7)

Capriccio. Presto energico Op.116-1

Key: d-moll  Total Performance Time: 3 min 00 sec 

Intermezzo. Andante Op.116-2

Key: a-moll  Total Performance Time: 3 min 30 sec 

Capriccio. Allegro passionato Op.116-3

Key: g-moll  Total Performance Time: 3 min 30 sec 

Intermezzo. Adagio Op.116-4

Key: E-Dur  Total Performance Time: 4 min 30 sec 

Intermezzo. Andante con grazia ed intimissimo sentimento Op.116-5

Key: e-moll  Total Performance Time: 3 min 00 sec 

Intermezzo. Andantino teneramente Op.116-6

Key: E-Dur  Total Performance Time: 3 min 30 sec 

Capriccio. Allegro agitato Op.116-7

Key: d-moll  Total Performance Time: 2 min 30 sec 

Reference Videos & Audition Selections(1items)

7つの幻想曲集 第4番 間奏曲

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