MUSIC 1AA3 Study Guide - Final Guide: Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann, Program Music
Document Summary
Johannes brahms (1833 (hamburg) - 1897 (vienna, age 63)) virtuosic piano player (premiered his own works) Robert schumann praised him as saviour of music. Reveived a lot of criticism during his life (thought to be too academic) Interested in old musical styles was an innovator and traditionalist. 30 short variations; very short theme (only 8 notes) Each variation creates diff. sound world and emotion. Overall ternary form: aba: middle variations (10-15) markedly diff. from others. 13-15 in e major instead of e minor. The final a section is signalled by a clear return of the main theme in variation 16 theme appears at some point in every single instrument (except timpanist) Creates sense of forward movement and contrast among the variations. 1 in c minor (1876, took 20 years to write)