Symphony No. 4, in E minor Brahms
In his orchestral works Brahms never makes use of extravagant embroidery or gorgeous colouring. The four symphonies, particularly, depend for their effect almost entirely on their pure musical content. Each symphony is a master-piece in its own right and with its own peculiar inner characteristics.
For wealth of detail, ingenuity of treatment, and the working of a great musical imagination the No. 4, in E minor, may perhaps be given first place.
Like most of Brahms's works, the E minor Symphony has no story nor history other than that it was composed during the years 1884-5, and on October 17 of the latter year, after it had been carefully rehearsed by von Biilow, Brahms himself conducted the first performance.