Brahms' Possible Essay Questions

These are some of the possible essay questions that may be asked, but the list is not exhaustive. Please use this only as a reference guide.

Possible Questions:

Descriptive Type

1. The opening of the first movement of Brahms' Piano Quintet in f minor is very dramatic. Describe the music up to and including the first entry of the second subject, concentrating on the interesting effects and musical surprises.

2. The opening bars of the first movement of Brahms' Piano Quintet in f minor are said to dominate the whole first movement. Discuss this statement, making specific references to the music.

Device/ Element of music specific Type

1. Comment on Brahms' writing for the strings in this movement.

2. Comment on Brahms' varied writing for the piano in this movement.

3. Write about Brahms' use of the following devices in the first movement of his Piano Quintet in f minor: antiphony, contrapuntal writing, cross-rhythms, syncopation.

4. Brahms presents his musical material in a variety of ways in his Piano Quintet in f minor. Taking just the Exposition of the first movement, discuss the different textures produced and the various ways the themes are related to their accompaniment.