I do not write here as much anymore due mainly to a lack of time. However, I still think of you and I thought that I could start a new thread. In 2001, when I was still a real newbie, I purchased an introductory book on classical music entitled "Classical Music, a New Way of Listening" by Alexander Waugh. I found that book every interesting and I often go back to it once in a while. While reading the author's comments on Brahms back then, I came upon the following line: "For those whose first experience with Brahms was the very german Ein Deutsch Requiem or his piano pieces Op. 116 to 119, please do not get discouraged. Their audacity and their beauty will one day reveal themselves to you". I finally listened to the piano pieces some times later after reading that line. It took me some times but I eventually learned to appreciate and love these pieces to the point where I now totally agree with the end part of Waugh's line.
Some said that they are pieces from an old man who look back at the past with nostalgia. Some say that it makes them think of the Fall. I have always found that these pieces where somehow the equivalent for the piano of the late Clarinet Sonatas, Clarinet Trio and Clarinet Quintet of Brahms (written near the end of his career as well). They have always being among my favorite works of Brahms. Especially the Op.118.
Anyways, I would really like to know the thoughts of CMG members regarding theses pieces.
Here is a question to get even more replies
: Any favorite recording of these works ?
