Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Dance

Compose Date

:

1865

Average_duration

:

1:32

Johannes Brahms composed his Waltz for piano, 4 hands in E major, Op. 39/2 in 1865. The piece was premiered in Vienna in the same year, with Brahms himself and his friend, the pianist Carl Tausig, performing it. The Waltz is part of a collection of 16 waltzes for piano, 4 hands, which Brahms originally composed for solo piano. The collection was later arranged for 4 hands by the composer himself. The Waltz in E major is the second piece in the collection and is one of Brahms' most popular works for piano duet. The Waltz is in 3/4 time and has a lively tempo. It begins with a simple, yet charming melody in the right hand, accompanied by a flowing arpeggio in the left hand. The melody is then repeated in the left hand, while the right hand plays a new, more elaborate melody. The two melodies intertwine and complement each other, creating a beautiful and harmonious sound. The second section of the Waltz features a more dramatic and intense melody, with a faster tempo and more complex rhythms. The two pianists play in unison, creating a powerful and energetic sound. The section ends with a series of ascending arpeggios, leading back to the main theme. The third section of the Waltz is a variation of the first theme, with a more elaborate and ornamented melody. The two pianists play in a call-and-response style, with one pianist playing the melody while the other provides a delicate accompaniment. The section ends with a gentle coda, bringing the piece to a peaceful and satisfying conclusion. Overall, Brahms' Waltz for piano, 4 hands in E major, Op. 39/2 is a delightful and charming piece, showcasing the composer's skill in creating beautiful melodies and harmonies. Its lively tempo and intricate rhythms make it a joy to play and listen to, and it remains a popular work in the piano duet repertoire.

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