A study of the piano style of Johannes Brahms

Abstract

"In the field of piano composition, it is unusual to find such a wealth of musical ideas as flowed forth from the pen of Brahms. The orchestral sounds were instilled in him since childhood. By his own choosing, the piano became the medium of his compositional world, and within this world the sounds of the orchestra were created. Brahms' genius for composition is exemplified by his unique use of complicated rhythms, and his intricate contrapuntal treatment is only excelled by Bach. The classical form, used with perfect freedom, served as the setting for the development of his individuality. Therefore, it seems appropriate to study Brahms' piano style and discover the technical devices he used in his piano compositions, and compare them with other nineteenth century composers. It is not necessary to give a detailed biography, nor is it necessary to give a detailed analysis of each of his piano pieces. Instead, specific examples will be cited from Kalmus and Lea Pocket Scores to detect how Brahms' technical devices were used in his music. In each period of history, outside influences affect the artistic world. Brahms' compositions reflected his study and experience in religion, philosophy, political events, and poetry. He frequently read from the Bible, and used its text in his German Requiem. His philosophy is one of simple tastes which is found in his folk tune idioms. Brahms was usually a conformist, but during the Franco-Prussian War he developed a feeling of patriotism and wrote the Song of Triumph to commemorate the German victory. Poetic elements are found in many of his compositions which draw their text from the romantic poems of E. T. A. Hoffmann, Jean Paul, and Johann Gottfried Herder. The growth of piano literature began in the eighteenth century with the development of the sonata, variations, and suite forms. These larger piano forms created the foundation for the composers of the nineteenth century. New achievements were born in the romantic era. New sonorities were heard along with an expansion of new harmonies. Virtuosity was recognized and placed in the concert hall. The shorter piano piece made its debut, and with it came the composer's expression of emotions. Few improvements have been made in the mechanism of the piano since 1850. Most of Brahms' piano music was written after the piano had been improved by cross-stringing, metal frame, and double escapement mechanism. The tone and action of the piano today is similar to the one Brahms used and the only problem that confronts the pianist is a technical one. These piano compositions are only a part of Brahms' life contribution to the world of music, but the development of his style can be traced in them, because his compositions began and ended with the piano."--Preface.