Johannes Brahms - Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 21 No. 1 (Audio + Score)

This is Brahms' first set of variations originally for the piano with a completely original theme composed for the work. The theme itself is so beautiful that the subsequent variations can be something of an anticlimax. Written at a time when Brahms and the violinist Joseph Joachim were exchanging counterpoint exercises through the mail, this set exhibits an older approach to variation technique than the earlier sets. Rather than using the melody of the theme, or the bass as his departure, Brahms now looks to the nature of the theme itself as inspiration for the variations. As a result, these variations are both more imaginative and further removed from the theme than any of his earlier sets. The first six variations are grouped in sets of two, the seventh is a lyrical interlude, and the eighth, ninth, and tenth form a set in the minor mode. The final variation, No. 11, is an extended and more freely constructed Finale that, with its trills and quickening figuration, recalls the Variation Finale of Beethoven's Sonata, Op. 109. Overall a beautiful and sophisticated work.
(AllMusic)
pf: Julius Katchen

[@tobiaspeter6555]

Why did I never hear this beautiful piece before?

[@antoineroche2073]

14:10 This magic moment

[@amvalkyrie6496]

Incredible

[@user-sz4bc6sj4t]

まさにベートーヴェンのop.126、6つのバガテル第3楽章ですね！めっちゃ好きです！

[@tarikeld11]

The theme reminds me of Beethoven's Bagatelle Op. 126 No 3 a lot

[@danielhughes441]

I was just going to type that!

[@MozartEstLa]

6:00 umm what? The notation is wrong here lol. The 1st and 3rd triplets don't fall with the 16ths... am I missing something?

[@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji]

You would find that in Schumann's Bünte Blatter and Clara Schumann's variations on her husband's theme from the former set but I have no idea what to infer from it.

[@calebhu6383]

You just have to assume that both voices are triplets, and the purpose of the upper voice is to emphasize certain notes rather than play a different rhythm.

[@evilBreadD-jf9go]

Never heard of rubato?

[@Youssef-iu8dn]

12tone made a video about this

[@PaulVinonaama]

"As a result, these variations are both more imaginative and further removed from the theme than any of his earlier sets." I wonder whether the one that wrote this knows the Schumann variations op. 9.

[@PushkaryovVsevolod]

Гениально.

[@SCRIABINIST]

Based Brahms

[@Whatismusic123]

Usual garbage brahms

[@collinm.4652]

Where zewen

[@themobiusfunction]

@@Whatismusic123 no

[@michaeledwards1172]

A very attractive piece I hadn't come across before, and a very nice performance, too. I could hear the ghost of Beethoven lingering there somewhere, and I fancy that, if Beethoven had lived a lot longer, and into Brahms's era, he might have ended up producing music something like this. If Beethoven had a successor at all, it is probably Brahms.

[@JulianHotaling]

Name von Helios in Cymric, Sprache, ist Kethuheremeth...

[@PaulVinonaama]

I might imagine that the theme might be played with more passion...

[@espressogirl68able]

Why?

[@fredericfrancoischopin6971]

Extremely boring

[@Saltan1908]

very boring

[@tamed4171]

Wow

[@Dichweed]

Boring piece.