MUSIC INTRODUCTION
Sonatensatz: Scherzo - Johannes Brahms
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A youthful burst of energy, a secret gift, and a bond of friendship - this is the Scherzo Brahms wrote at just 20.
In October 1853, Johannes Brahms joined forces with his friend Albert Dietrich and mentor Robert Schumann to create the F-A-E Sonata - a secret four-movement gift for violinist Joseph Joachim.
Albert Dietrich
Johannes Brahms
Robert Schumann
The letters F-A-E stand for Joachim's motto
Frei, aber einsam
(meaning: free but lonely)
The letters F-A-E are used as musical notes woven into the melodies. This technique, known as a musical cryptogram, lets the motto speak directly through sound, adding a layer of intimacy and meaning to the entire work.
Brahms was tasked with the third movement, the Scherzo in C minor, WoO 2. His contribution crackles with energy - packed with syncopations, rhythmic drive, and youthful fire reminiscent of Beethoven's iconic rhythmic motif.
Brahms's Scherzo
Beethoven's Symphony No. 5
Debuting on October 28th, 1853 in the Schumann household in Düsseldorf, Joachim played the piece - with Clara Schumann at the piano - and effortlessly guessed which composer wrote each movement, identifying Brahms's Scherzo immediately.
Although the complete F-A-E Sonata wasn't published until 1935, Joachim saved the Scherzo as a standalone piece. It was published in 1906, nearly ten years after his death.
In under six minutes, Brahms weaves a story that’s bold, lyrical, and unforgettable - a glimpse of passion and promise that echoes far beyond its youthful origins.
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