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Brahms, Johannes : 4 Stücke Op.119

Work Overview

Music ID : 214
Composition Year:1893 
Publication Year:1893
First Publisher:Simrock
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:pieces
Total Playing Time:17 min 00 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : PTNA Piano Encyclopedia Editorial Department

Last Updated: January 1, 2010
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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.

One of Brahms's very late works. After composing numerous sonatas and variations in his early and middle periods, characterized by a grand musical conception that seemed to transfer orchestral textures directly to the piano, Brahms wrote five collections of short pieces, from the "8 Pieces, Op. 76" in 1871 to the "4 Pieces, Op. 119." Here, Brahms once again attempted the unique harmonic cohesion and condensation of poetic content that he had previously displayed in many of his Lieder. The emotional shifts expressed here are now things of the past, and the work leaves a deep impression with its gentle, melancholic melodies that evoke a nostalgic longing for his younger self. This work marked his final composition for piano.

No. 1: Intermezzo in B minor

It is not bright, yet neither pessimistic nor despairing, conveying a sense of tranquility that transcends all emotions. Particularly in the middle section, Brahms's distinctive dotted melodies, frequently used in his earlier works, are highly striking.

No. 2: Intermezzo in E minor

In stark contrast to the tranquility of the preceding piece, this movement conveys a certain instability, both rhythmically and harmonically. Could this be a vague anxiety about the approaching death? The middle section is remarkably simple, evoking a religious transcendence, as if an innocent era free from all anxieties might return in heaven.

No. 3: Intermezzo in C major

The theme is constructed using an oriental pentatonic scale. Although light, the left-hand accompaniment figure originates from the bass, creating a "giocoso" character that also possesses a German earnestness.

No. 4: Rhapsody in E-flat major

The piece opens with a majestic, fanfare-like theme built on weighty chords. In contrast to the delicate, piano-like quality of the preceding three movements, this piece is highly symphonic, featuring dense, weighty chords and, in the middle section, arpeggiated chords reminiscent of pizzicato. The ending is dramatically conclusive in a solemn E-flat minor, almost feeling like a betrayal compared to the opening of the first movement.

Movements (4)

1. Intermezzo Op.119-1

Key: h-moll  Total Performance Time: 4 min 00 sec 

Explanation 0

Arrangement 0

2. Intermezzo Op.119-2

Key: e-moll  Total Performance Time: 4 min 30 sec 

Explanation 0

Arrangement 0

3. Intermezzo Op.119-3

Key: C-Dur  Total Performance Time: 2 min 00 sec 

Explanation 0

Arrangement 0

4. Rhapsodie Op.119-4

Key: Es-Dur  Total Performance Time: 5 min 20 sec 

Explanation 0

Arrangement 0

Reference Videos & Audition Selections(8items)

中山 翔太
4つの小品 第1番 間奏曲
林川崇さんのお勧め, アイベンシュッツ, イローナ
4つの小品 第2番 間奏曲
林川崇さんのお勧め, フリードベルク, カール
4つの小品 第3番 間奏曲
近藤 嘉宏
4つの小品 第4番 狂詩曲

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Scores List (19)