Chapter 2 Repertoire Exploration (4 videos)

We now look at the repertoire and will go through some of the most significant composers in Brahms' time, place his Violin Concerto versus Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, evaluate Brahm's place in the repertoire, and discover the signature moments.

Significant composers in Brahms’ Time

Vienna's golden age of music in the late 19th century was marked by the influence of several major composers, conductors, and performers who, alongside Johannes Brahms, played a significant role in shaping the city’s cultural identity. These figures came from diverse musical traditions, contributing to Vienna's reputation as the world’s musical capital.

Here’s a look at some of the other key players:

Brahms' Violin Concerto versus Tchaikovsky's

The relationship between Johannes Brahms and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was complex, marked by mutual respect, considerable tension, and contrasting personalities. While both were towering figures of 19th-century classical music, they came from different musical and cultural traditions, leading to significant differences in style and artistic outlook.

Here’s an overview of their relationship:

The Place of Brahm’s Violin Concerto in the repertoire

Brahms’ Violin Concerto is often seen as the successor to Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, with its grandeur, depth, and integration of violin and orchestra. It is less overtly virtuosic than Tchaikovsky or Paganini but more symphonically rich and demanding in musicianship. It remains one of the "big five" violin concertos, a staple of violin competitions and major concert performances worldwide.

Here’s a detailed overview:

Signature Moments

Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D Major, Opus 77 is filled with unforgettable moments that define its emotional and technical depth.

We are diving into some of its signature moments, categorized by movement:

Example 3rd mov: Lisa Batiashvili