jmc's classics
Today is the anniversary of the premiere of Brahms' Fourth symphony (Opus#98) in 1885. Is his last and considered his most austeresymphony. It is devided in to four movements: Allegro non troppo, andante moderato, Allegro giocoso and allegro energico. I ah not as familiar with Brahms three other symphonies. This is my favorite work of Brahms along with his double Concerto (Opus#102) and Piano Trio #12(Opus#18).
There is a theory that this work was inspired by the Antony and Cleopatra by Shakespeare which Brahms had been researching at that time. British rock artist Rick Wakeman used the third movement in 1971 in his album Fragile which featured an abbreviated version of the third movement. I especially like the third movement in this work. It is considered some of the darkest music of the 19th Century. Although it is not melancholy in nature. Mahler's music seems to be of a melancholy nature. The First movement has a similar sound in my opinion to the first movement of Alexander Scriabin's Piano Concerto. I like the second movement in this work. There are many versions of this work available on Cd. The one that I have is of Bernstein conducting the NY Philharmonic Orchestra on Sony. It contains the Tragic and Academic festival Overtures. The Tragic Overture is why I first purchased that CD. I do recommend this version of the Fourth.
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