Johannes Brahms  (1833-97)

Symphony No. 4 in e minor, 4th movement; Theme and Variations Form

Musical Style

His long melodies emphasise the triads; motivic development of themes Master of rhythmic innovation. Relied on syncopation, irregular meters; use of hemiola; cross rhythms (triplets against duplets); shifting meters  Use of contrapuntal writing Functional harmony; fondness of subdominant harmony; favours the lower register and darker tones. Composed chamber works, piano short pieces, 4 symphonies, 2 piano concerti, 1 violin concerto, Double concerto, lieder.

Links to other Brahms site http://encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?ti=01DC2000  http://members.aol.com/abelard2/brahms.htm http://www.hnh.com/composer/brahms.htm

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