Here is the next installment of the listening assignments for the Drummond Piano Studio. Just like last week, I will choose a recording for my students to listen to and read a few short paragraphs about the piece, composer, and performer as they relate to music history. Then you will see 2-3 questions that you must answer before you come to your next lesson. For younger students, have your parents help you. Remember to listen to these assignments with as few distractions as possible.
May 7th, 1833 – April 3rd, 1897
Piano Concerto No. 2, Movement 2
Sticking with the Romantic Period (1815-1910) of music, we will now look at a piece composed by Johannes Brahms in 1881. This a perfect example of the rise of the piano concerto during this time period. The piano was just starting to take hold as a universally accepted instrument and composers began writing piano solos for performance with an orchestra. This piece features four movements total and is considerably longer than most concertos written at that time, running in excess of 45 minutes! This movement is arguably the most well-known for it’s very difficult octave passages, stormy climax, and lasting melody.
Composer Biography
Born in Hamburg, Germany, Brahms spent most of his life in Vienna pursuing a celebrated career as a part of the musical scene. He is often referred to as one of the “Three B’s”, some of the greatest composers to have ever come from Germany. Brahms composed for piano, chamber ensembles, symphony orchestra, and for voice and chorus. He was also a virtuoso performer and premiered many of his own works to the general public. His composition style was viewed both as traditional and innovative. He clung to composition techniques pioneered during the Baroque Period (1600-1750) while creating bold new approaches to harmony and melody.
Questions
- Who are the “Three B’s”?
- How many years did Brahms, being ever so self-critical, spend composing this piano concerto?
- How awesome is that beard of his?! Please write two sentences describing his beard. 🙂
Drummond Piano Studio 