BRAHMS' VIOLINn SONATAS
Played by MARJORIE HAYWARD (Violin)
- and O'CONNOR MORRIS (Pianoforte)
THE D Minor Sonata (dedicated to his friend,
Hans von Bülow) begins at once with a big broad theme on the violin, the pianoforte accompanying with his right hand half a beat after the left. A little transition passage is made up from the first big theme, and then the pianoforte plays a second subject, another noblo melody, and after that the course of the movement is perfectly clear. Towards the end there is a fine section built up on a pedal base.
The slow movement, quite short, is among the most beautiful of all Brahms' big conceptions. The theme itself has all tho simple dignity of a fine old song.
The third movement has been called fairy-like, and is indeed, delicate and nimble, with moments of vigour and crisp energy. It is practically in the Scherzo and Trio form-a first section with a contrasting middle part, after which the first returns.
The last movement is bold and strong, beginning with a theme of quick, restless energy, on which a calmer mood breaks in more than once.
And like many of the world's great possessions, it is music which anyone may enjoy for its sheer melodic beauty and strength, whether or no he counts himself an educated hearer.