Progetto Martha Argerich

italiano

Works

Johannes Brahms

Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79

 

Brahms composed his Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79, in 1879, and dedicated them to Elisabeth von Herzogenberg. Stylistically, the two pieces, with their clear juxtapositions of passionate outbursts and tender intimations, seem a throwback to the Hamburg-born composer’s early works. From the formal point of view as well, the title “rhapsody” seems incorrect, in some respects; this was the opinion of their dedicatee, Elisabeth von Herzogenberg, who, in a letter to the composer, pointed out that “the so clearly defined form of these pieces doesn’t fulfil the commonly-held concept of a rhapsody.” The two pieces contrast strikingly with each other: the Rhapsody No. 1, in B minor (Agitato), has a rough, almost savage first theme that contrasts strongly with its sweetly cantabile second theme, whereas the Rhapsody No. 2, in G minor (Molto appassionato ma non troppo allegro) has a more scherzo-like structure and is simultaneously heroic and mysterious in character.

listen to Real Media recording

1. Rapsodia in si minore (Agitato)
2. Rapsodia in sol minore (Molto passionato, ma non troppo allegro)

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Performance