Description
Unlike many of his other variation sets, Brahms based this one on a theme of his own invention rather than borrowing from another composer. Building variations from original material reflects an inward, exploratory side of his craft. At around seventeen minutes, it moves between calm and virtuosic variations and demands sustained concentration from advanced players.
Works written in theme-and-variations form, where a single melody is transformed in many different ways.
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.
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