hank Archive

The music which Johannes Brahms composed in memory of his mother is likely among the three most moving compositions known to me. Whatever the nature of his own beliefs, many have noted that unlike traditional …

The lone trumpet call that opens the symphony #5 launches a whole new chapter in Mahler’s music. Gone is the picturesque world of the first four symphonies—music inspired by folk tales and song, music that …

Beethoven’s piano sonata #11 consists of 4 movements: Allegro con brio Adagio con molto espressione Minuet – Trio Rondo – Allegretto Year of Composition was about 1799–1800 First Publication 1800 This was one of Beethoven’s …

Tchaikovsky wrote his Violin Concerto in March 1878 while staying amid the breathtaking mountains of Clarens, Switzerland on Lake Geneva. The work was spurred by a visit from the violinist Iosif Kotek, who had been …

Upon listening to the clarinetist Richard Mülhfeld play, Johannes Brahms became so enthusiastic about the clarinet’s possibilities that he began writing chamber works for him. Brahms was always particularly fond of the female alto voice, …