Chapter 8 Key Skills for Late Romantic Repertoire
Johannes Brahms – Scherzo in E♭ minor, Op. 4 (Instructor: Peter Frankl)
Brahms’s early Scherzo (written at age 18) exposes the student to dense textures and Romantic intensity.
Prof. Peter Frankl points out that, though titled “Scherzo” (joke), the piece alternates “pleasant atmosphere with sustained sound” and serious drama.
The lesson’s main focuses are tempo control, rhythmic pedal technique, and balancing Brahms’s trademark sostenuto vs. cantabile playing.
By studying this piece, the pianist learns to voice thick chords, manage big dynamic surges, and maintain singing lines amid passionate outbursts – all key skills for late Romantic repertoire.
Preview J. Brahms – Scherzo in E♭ minor, Op. 4
This is the most antique piece that we have from Brahms, who wrote it at the age of 18. Its name is Scherzo (Joke), but actually, it's not, or not always, cause it's written in E flat, a very unusual key for Piano composition in general, and it contains long phrases, alternating pleasant atmosphere with sustained sound; and finally, it's about 10 minutes long, which makes it even more interesting, and challenging.
The main topics are Tempo, short and rhythmic use of pedals, and alternating Sostenuto with Cantabile.
Professor Peter Frankl
Assistant Yevheniya Lysohor
Masterclass J. Brahms – Scherzo in E♭ minor, Op. 4 - Part 1
Masterclass J. Brahms – Scherzo in E♭ minor, Op. 4 - Part 2
Performance
P-C 0330708 Chapter 8 Key Skills for Late Romantic Repertoire
ultima modifica: 2025-08-11T10:32:12+00:00
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