Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Started by BachQ, April 07, 2007, 03:23:22 AM

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Brahmsian

a) I wish the Brahms composer discussion thread had a more interesting title, like so many of the others.   :(

b) I wish my Brilliant Classics Brahms complete edition cube had come in a plastic or metal box, instead of a cardboard box.  I've gone through it so much, the cardboard hinges are already getting quite worn from continuous opening and closing.   :D

Geo Dude

Quote from: Alberich on January 27, 2011, 10:38:28 PM
Brahms, one of my all-time favorite composers! Whenever I hear someone dissing chamber music, I think: "That guy must have never listened to Brahms, has he/she?" It is good that Brahms was perfectionist: I can't mention single average/weak composition from him, at least when it is about structure, beauty and simple awesomeness.

Agreed about Brahms' chamber music!  Now that classical has cycled back into my listening list (primarily due to memories of Brahms) I've recently been working my way through the Phillips set that I received several years ago as a birthday gift before it was out of print.  [asin]B0000041LM[/asin] Despite the complaints the reviewers make, I've thoroughly enjoyed the set though I did find a few of the performances perfunctory.  The material was consistently top-notch, but the violin sonatas and string sextets in particular have made a very strong impact.  I've supplemented that set with Amadeus Quartet's complete quartets, quintets, and sextets set (which I was also fortunate enough to own previously) and I have the Suk/Katchen violin sonatas and Rostropovich/Serkin cello sonatas on the way.

Renfield

Quote from: ChamberNut on September 06, 2011, 05:52:01 AM
a) I wish the Brahms composer discussion thread had a more interesting title, like so many of the others.   :(

b) I wish my Brilliant Classics Brahms complete edition cube had come in a plastic or metal box, instead of a cardboard box.  I've gone through it so much, the cardboard hinges are already getting quite worn from continuous opening and closing.   :D

I'm sure a mod could oblige, and rename it Brahms' Brewhouse; but then Beethoven would feel lonely.

(Since his is also a '[Composer Name] [Dates]' thread.)

Geo Dude

Having just read the entire thread, I recommend it to anyone new coming in.  There is a wealth of information present.


On a different note, I mentioned Brahms in an e-mail to an uncle and he commented that while he feels that the Ein Deustsches Requiem, first symphony, and first piano concerto are works descended directly from god that he doesn't listen to much Brahms because he feels that he has an overall tendency as an orchestrator toward "If five is good, ten is twice as good!"  Needless to say, I adamantly insisted that he listen to Brahms chamber music and will be burning him some discs of chamber works in hopes of coaxing him into buying a box set, or at least checking out recordings of those.  Currently, I plan on sending him recordings of the violin sonatas, clarinet sonatas, horn trio, and string sextets.  Any recommendation on other essentials I need to send his way?

Brahmsian

Quote from: Geo Dude on September 11, 2011, 05:48:35 AM
Having just read the entire thread, I recommend it to anyone new coming in.  There is a wealth of information present.


On a different note, I mentioned Brahms in an e-mail to an uncle and he commented that while he feels that the Ein Deustsches Requiem, first symphony, and first piano concerto are works descended directly from god that he doesn't listen to much Brahms because he feels that he has an overall tendency as an orchestrator toward "If five is good, ten is twice as good!"  Needless to say, I adamantly insisted that he listen to Brahms chamber music and will be burning him some discs of chamber works in hopes of coaxing him into buying a box set, or at least checking out recordings of those.  Currently, I plan on sending him recordings of the violin sonatas, clarinet sonatas, horn trio, and string sextets.  Any recommendation on other essentials I need to send his way?

The piano quartets (particularly 1 and 3).  For me, Brahms is my co-favorite composer.

One of the things I've always admired in Brahms' music is his sense of restraint.  Although he certainly is a Romantic era composer, he never goes overboard.  He always seems to hold back a little bit, almost leaving you wanting a bit more.  Sure, he has his outbursting moments like the other Romantic composers, but I'm amazed that he is able to keep it under control, and not quite go overboard.  I think in this sense he is very different from middle/late Beethoven and his buddy, Schumann.  And it is one of the things I love about Brahms.

Opus106

The piano trios. The Op. 8 at the least.
Regards,
Navneeth

Geo Dude

Quote from: ChamberNut on September 11, 2011, 05:59:39 AM
The piano quartets (particularly 1 and 3).  For me, Brahms is my co-favorite composer.

One of the things I've always admired in Brahms' music is his sense of restraint.  Although he certainly is a Romantic era composer, he never goes overboard.  He always seems to hold back a little bit, almost leaving you wanting a bit more.  Sure, he has his outbursting moments like the other Romantic composers, but I'm amazed that he is able to keep it under control, and not quite go overboard.  I think in this sense he is very different from middle/late Beethoven and his buddy, Schumann.  And it is one of the things I love about Brahms.

Thanks for your thoughts.   I'll make sure to add a piano trio or two.  I do wonder if his feelings about Brahms tendency to think "five is good, ten is twice is good" is a result of growing up on the classic style of Brahms conducting.

North Star

Quote from: Geo Dude on September 11, 2011, 07:17:52 AM
Thanks for your thoughts.   I'll make sure to add a piano trio or two.  I do wonder if his feelings about Brahms tendency to think "five is good, ten is twice is good" is a result of growing up on the classic style of Brahms conducting.

Indeed, maybe Mackerras's Brahms cycle would please him?
The piano trios are among my very favorite Brahms. Then there's the piano quintet and clarinet trio.
"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it." - Confucius

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Renfield

Quote from: North Star on September 11, 2011, 12:55:15 PM
Indeed, maybe Mackerras's Brahms cycle would please him?

Yes, that's a great recommendation for the texture-conscious! :)

Geo Dude

Quote from: North Star on September 11, 2011, 12:55:15 PM
Indeed, maybe Mackerras's Brahms cycle would please him?
The piano trios are among my very favorite Brahms. Then there's the piano quintet and clarinet trio.

I just ordered the Mackerras set today.  If I like it, I'll make sure to send it to him.  It might do the trick.

DavidRoss

Brahms's Bachelor Pad?
Brahms's Beach House?
Brahms's Bungalow?

No...wait:  Brahms's Bordello!
;D
"Maybe the problem most of you have ... is that you're not listening to Barbirolli." ~Sarge

"The problem with socialism is that sooner or later you run out of other people's money." ~Margaret Thatcher

eyeresist


Beer and Bread with Brahms.

The three Bs!

eyeresist


kishnevi

Saw a commercial for (essentially) arts education in public schools which featured a family of four being treated to a piano recital by a (comically fake bearded) Johannes, who offers as a cereal guaranteed to get their day off right a box of "Raisin Brahms".

Brahmsian

Quote from: toucan on September 11, 2011, 03:18:40 PM
Brahms' brouhaha

Yes, or 'Brahms' Brewhaha'  ;)  It should have some reference to the pub he frequented, or reference to a hedgehog?

Renfield

I feel that my sublimely apt suggestion for Brahms' Brewhouse has been unduly neglected. :'(


(I am also joking, in case it wasn't obvious enough.)

Opus106

Regards,
Navneeth

karlhenning


Brahmsian


bwv 1080

gotta make it a compound word

Der Brahmsbunker

Der Brahmsüberfestung

Der Brahmsbordell

etc