Brahms: Fantasies, Op. 116

Description

The piano pieces Opp. 116-119 were written in 1892-93 and are the last collections of pieces which Brahms wrote for the instrument. Particularly noteworthy is his use of the small form accompanied by a heightened increase in musical expression compared to his earlier works.

Clara Schumann, probably the secret dedicatee of the piano pieces, wrote in her diary in November 1892: "a true source of enjoyment, everything, poetry, passion, fantasy, intimacy, full of the most marvellous sound effects. in these pieces I finally feel musical life drawn into my soul again and play once more with true devotion."

A renewed critical evaluation of all known sources has resulted in small deviations from previous readings.

Pieces

• Capriccio in D Minor, Op. 116, No. 1
• Intermezzo in A Minor, Op. 116, No. 2
• Capriccio in G Minor, Op. 116, No. 3
• Intermezzo in E Major, Op. 116, No. 4
• Intermezzo in E Minor, Op. 116, No. 5
• Intermezzo in E Major, Op. 116, No. 6
• Capriccio in D Minor, Op. 116, No. 7