Johannes Brahms was just 19 years old in 1852-53 when he wrote the first two piano sonatas he deemed worthy of publication. In these extended four-movement compositions he built on the heritage of Beethoven. The fact that Brahms had produced a pair of masterpieces was immediately recognised by his mentor Robert Schumann, who eased his young colleague’s way into the future with his celebrated article ‘New Paths’ of 1853.
JOHANNES BRAHMS [1833-1897]
Piano Sonata in F sharp minor, op.2
fa dièse mineur / fis-moll
· I. Allegro non troppo, ma energico (6'39)
· II. Andante con espressione (5'54)
· III. Scherzo. Allegro - Trio (4'01)
· IV. Finale. Introduzione - Allegro non troppo e rubato (12'53)
· Scherzo in E flat minor, op.4
mi bémol mineur / es-moll (9'46)
Piano Sonata in C major, op.1
Ut majeur / C-dur
· I. Allegro (11'58)
· II. Andante (nach einem altdeutschen Minnelied) (5'10)
· III. Scherzo. Allegro molto e con fuoco (5'38)
· IV. Finale. Allegro con fuoco (7'05)
