The two sonatas Opus 120 by Brahms were published for clarinet or viola, and later adjusted for violin and piano. They have become an essential element in viola repertoire, featuring the darker tones of the instrument.
The Sonata in E flat major, Op. 120, No. 2, offers immediately a theme that fulfils the initial direction Allegro amabile, a mood that continues with the second subject material, duly developed and allowed a recapitulation in a closely woven texture of song. The movement ends gently, with a final unobtrusive recurrence of those cross-rhythms that are such a feature of Brahms’s writing.
There follows an Allegro appassionato in E flat minor, a form of scherzo typical of Brahms with its richly textured piano-writing. There is a contrasting B major trio section, marked Sostenuto, before the return of the opening material. The last movement, marked Andante con moto, is in the form of a theme and variations.
Here is Tabea Zimmermann to play this music for you:
