Read an Excerpt
A First Book of Brahms
26 Arrangements for the Beginning Pianist
By DAVID DUTKANICZ Dover Publications, Inc.
Copyright © 2010 Dover Publications, Inc.
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-486-17163-0
CHAPTER 1
Lullaby
Originally titled Cradle Song, this piece was first written for voice and piano. The simple tune has become Brahms's most famous work, known throughout the world as a bedtime lullaby. Play it gently and cradle the melody.
Andante
from Symphony No. 3
Brahms composed four symphonies in his career. As is custom, each symphony has four contrasting movements. This charming melody is from the opening of the second movement of Symphony No. 3.
Sandman
from Children's Folksongs
Just like his famous Lullaby, Brahms set another bedtime poem to music. The poem reads: The flowers are long asleep. In the moonlight, they nod their heads. Keep that image in mind when playing this piece.
Rhapsody
from Four Pieces for Piano
This upbeat work is taken from a short collection entitled Four Pieces for Piano. These pieces were written in 1893, and were Brahms's last works for solo piano. Keep the tempo steady, and contrast the second section by playing the piano dynamic as marked.
Andante
from Piano Sonata in C Major
Just like library books, music books need to be cataloged. For this, opus (which means "a work") numbers are assigned, usually in order of publication. The Piano Sonata in C Major was Brahms's first work published, and so it is known as Opus 1.
Piano Quintet
(opening)
This powerful melody begins a work for an ensemble known as a piano quintet: two violins, viola, cello and piano. To give it more strength, the melody is played by all instruments together. In the beginning, the left and right hands play the same notes, in octaves. Listen to how this helps project the sound.
Serenade
from Four Songs
It's curious to note that Brahms never composed an opera. However, he did write over 200 songs! This sweet melody is set to a text by the poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (pronounced Gér-ta), whose poems were used by many composers.
Salamander
from Five Songs
This song is the setting of a poem by Karl von Lemcke. By using a minor key and sneaky sharps that twist and turn the melody, Brahms paints a picture of a playful and mischievous salamander.
Piano Concerto No. 2
(opening)
Written in 1881, Brahms dedicated this concerto to one of his favorite teachers. The opening is performed by French horns and cellos. Be sure to play with a warm sound, just like these instruments.
Serenade in A Major
Serenades are songs of love; their name is derived from the Italian word for "calm" — sereno. Play the notes smoothly, conveying a sense of calm. Use the quiet piano dynamic to come to a gentle end.
Symphony No. 4
(opening)
The fourth and last symphony was premiered in 1885 with Brahms himself conducting the orchestra. It quickly became an audience favorite and is still one of his most popular works. A key to practicing: there is a repeated pattern in the left-hand fingerings.
Rhapsody in B Minor
Rhapsodies are works that develop freely, not following any set form. This flowing melody is echoed in the left hand. Pay attention to the triplets, making sure they're played evenly in both hands.
Waltz No. 15
This piece is taken from a collection of 16 waltzes that were published in one volume. Brahms originally wrote them for "piano four-hands," which means two people playing together on one piano. Hold the tempo steady and dance-like.
Intermezzo No. 1
Brahms was an accomplished pianist and used many different techniques when composing. In this intermezzo he uses echoes, repeating short melodies between hands and in different registers. Keep these even, and use dynamics to create a conversation.
Hungarian Dance No. 1
This lively dance is the first in a popular set of 21. They're based on Hungarian and gypsy melodies that were in style at the time. Enjoy the upbeat and exotic character of the dance!
Academic Festival Overture
Brahms wrote this overture to thank the University of Breslau (now Wroclaw) for granting him an honorary doctorate degree. At first, Brahms was just going to send a handwritten note, but was convinced by one of the professors to compose a piece. The work has both a serious side and a playful side, just like any school!
Waltz No. 8
In piano technique, there are times that the left hand can play notes from right hand passages. In measure 4, use the left thumb to play the melody note. This will be easier and smoother than repositioning your right hand.
Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Brahms was a fan of many composers and would write variations on their music, including Handel and Paganini. Here, he uses a Haydn theme known as St. Anthony's Chorale. The variation on the next page keeps the same bass, but decorates the melody by adding notes.
Symphony No. 2
(Mvt. III)
Brahms was fond of the country, and would often escape to the woods where he had a small cabin with a piano. This movement from the second symphony pays respect to the rustic countryside that inspired him.
Adagio
from Violin Concerto
Brahms had a very close circle of friends who inspired his works. One of these was the famous violinist Joseph Joachim, to whom the Violin Concerto is dedicated. Play this excerpt slowly and make the melody sing like a violin.
Viennese Waltz
Waltzes are generally in ¾ time, and were extremely popular as dance pieces. Brahms wrote this waltz in homage to his new hometown, Vienna, which was also the waltz capital of Europe.
Symphony No. 3
(opening)
This is the opening to the famous Symphony No. 3. Look over the flats and naturals before playing. These are part of chromaticism, a technique where notes from other keys are "borrowed" to add color.
Symphony No. 3
(Mvt. III)
The third movement of Symphony No. 3 is a bit sad and melancholic. It was described by Brahms as "free, but lonely" music. Play expressively, and use dynamic swells to add to the character of the notes.
Romance
from Six Pieces for Piano
Pay close attention to the rhythm in this piece, playing the opening as one voice. There are two key and meter changes. Also, use the scales in the left hand to anticipate the next sections.
Piano Concerto No. 1
(Mvt. I)
Brahms wrote two concertos for his favorite instrument, the piano. Below are the introduction and opening themes from his first piano concerto. The score is marked Maestoso, to be played majestically and regally as if for a king.
Hungarian Dance No. 5
This is the most famous of all the Hungarian Dances. There are a number of tricky passages and tempo changes, reminiscent of whirling gypsy dances. Keep the character lively, and use the closing accents to bring the work to a strong conclusion.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from A First Book of Brahms by DAVID DUTKANICZ. Copyright © 2010 Dover Publications, Inc.. Excerpted by permission of Dover Publications, Inc..
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