Brahms worked on the Second Piano Concerto for three years. He wrote to Clara Schumann: “I want to tell you that I have written a very small piano concerto with a very small and pretty scherzo.” Ironic, as he was describing a giant of a piece.
The opening is deceptively amazing: a lone horn calls out a simple eight-note melody, answered by the piano rising quietly from the lowest depths. An ensuing cadenza encompasses the entire keyboard.
The “small scherzo” is by turns turbulent and winsome.
The slow movement begins with a wondrous song spun out by solo cello, later with the oboe.
Elegance and great charm mark the finale’s main theme. And Brahms’ creativity is virtually endless.
Here is pianist Igor Levit to play this concerto for you:
