jmc's classics
Brahms Second Piano Concerto in B flat major (Opus #83) has been a candidate for the greatest Piano Concerto of all time. Some have said that it was his first Piano Concerto in D minor (Opus #15) or some of the ones by Beethoven.
One thing about the Second Piano Concerto that stands out to me is the opening bars or lines of it is that it sounds like the music from Star Wars. I remember in 1977 when it came out. I have never seen that movie or its sequels. This music was written by John Williams who has written other film music. He has conspired with Steven Spielberg and written music for some of his films. I remember classical style music being played on the rock and roll radio. It dates from 1881 and was dedicated to Brahms teacher Edward who played the solo part at its premier that year. It opens with a horn call. the first few minutes reminds me of the Star Wars theme music. I wonder if John Williams was influenced by this music! It was then performed in many other cities throughout Europe. It is in four movements instead of the usual three for a concerto. They are: Allegro non troppo, Allegro appassionato, Andante, and Allegretto grazioso. it lasts about 50 minutes Brahms First piano concerto lasts even longer almost an about and this is in three movements. There are many excellent recordings of this work. The one that I have is of Vladimir Ashkenazi with the London Symphony Orchestra and Zubin Mehta conducting on the London Label which I recommend. As mentioned, I have never been into the Star Wars franchise, but I do like its music and have associated it the Second Piano Concerto.
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