(two pianofortes)
Brahms's Liebeslieder (Love Songs) Waltzes were written originally for pianoforte duet with four vocal parts ad libitum. The idea was that they could be either instrumental or vocal. The concert rooms have taken full advantage of this, and more often than not they are heard today as instrumental music scored by other hands than the composers for orchestra. This performance is, however, an adaptation for two pianofortes from the original pianoforte duet version. In Germany, where the waltz is slightly heavier in texture than we know it here, the Liebeslieder waltzes have always been extremely popular. Much of Brahms's early popularity in Germany dates from their publication.