Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Intermezzo

Compose Date

:

1892

Average_duration

:

4:16

Johannes Brahms composed his Intermezzo for piano in E major, Op. 116/4, in 1892. The piece was premiered in Vienna on January 20, 1893, by the composer himself. The Intermezzo is part of a set of six pieces, Op. 116, which Brahms composed during the summer of 1892. The set is characterized by its introspective and melancholic mood, and the Intermezzo in E major is no exception. The piece is in ternary form, with a lyrical and expressive A section in E major, followed by a more agitated and dramatic B section in C-sharp minor. The A section returns, slightly varied, to close the piece. The Intermezzo opens with a gentle and flowing melody, played in the right hand over a simple accompaniment in the left. The melody is characterized by its long phrases and expressive use of rubato, giving the impression of a singer's voice. The middle section, marked "agitato," is more turbulent and intense, with rapid arpeggios and a sense of urgency. The return of the A section brings a sense of resolution and calm, with the melody now played in the left hand and the right hand providing a delicate accompaniment. Overall, the Intermezzo in E major is a poignant and introspective piece, showcasing Brahms' mastery of melody and harmony. Its expressive and emotional qualities have made it a beloved work in the piano repertoire.

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