Classical Music | Violin Music

Johannes Brahms

Scherzo for Violin and Piano in c minor, WoO posth. 2 (from F.A.E. Sonata)  Play

Yoonshin Song Violin
Winston Choi Piano

Recorded on 06/27/2012, uploaded on 11/29/2012

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

 

Scherzo in C minor for Violin and Piano (6’)         Brahms

Brahms wrote this piece in 1853 as a gift to the celebrated Hungarian violinist, Josef Joachim, who was a lifelong friend and inspiration for all of Brahms' violin compositions. It was premiered by Joachim and Clara Schumann, and was published in 1906 with the permission of Joachim.

 

The pounding rhythm, presented first in the violin and answered by hammering piano chords, propels the entire Scherzo. A gentle, beautiful, lyrical melody follows as the second theme, but the piece quickly returns to the opening material and leads to a grand, majestic finish.

Although Brahms was only 20 years old when he composed this Scherzo, it is certainly a masterpiece whose drive and forceful lyricism reflect Brahms' admiration for Joachim's virtuosity.      Yoonshin Song