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Piano Sonatas

Piano Sonata No.1, Op.1

Johannes Brahms (1853)

DifficultyAdvanced
Duration26:11
Notes15,224
OpusOp.1

Description

Written in 1853 when Brahms was just twenty, this sonata was placed first in his official catalog of works, and it opens with a bold theme recalling Beethoven's 'Hammerklavier.' It reveals the ambition of a young composer eager to make his mark. That same year, Brahms played it for Robert and Clara Schumann, who were deeply impressed, helping launch his career.

Piano sonatas representative of the Classical and Romantic eras, including Beethoven's early works — substantial multi-movement pieces throughout.

About the Composer

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Johannes Brahms was a composer born in Hamburg who rose to prominence after being championed by Robert and Clara Schumann, later settling in Vienna. He fused classical formal rigor with Romantic expressiveness across symphonies and chamber music, and in his later years wrote many introspective piano miniatures. This site includes 25 of his works, such as intermezzi, waltzes, and ballades.

View all works by Brahms
Piano Sonata No.1, Op.1 - Johannes Brahms | Visual Piano