Johannes Brahms

My favourite composer is Johannes Brahms and his masterpiece "First Piano Concerto".

The list of his works contains a wide variety of piano compositions- concertos, sonatas, variation cycles, chamber pieces and ensembles- presenting a harmonious combination of strict classical tradition with elements of romanticism.

Brahms started work on his First Piano Concerto in 1854 and it was first performed in Hanover that same year by the composer as the soloist under the direction of his friend Joseph Joachim.  Clara Schumann' brilliant performance of Brahms' First Piano Concerto in 1874 served to launch it upon its triumphal life of the world concert stage.

The work of a young artist- the composer was a little over 20- the Concerto is a kind of poem of youthful spirit, a declaration of youth's hopes and aspirations. Its dynamic development, rhythmical wealth and powerful emotion appeal make this work of Brahms a masterpiece of piano literature.

He is famous for his efforts to combine the purity of classical forms- sonata, symphony and concerto- with the energy of the music of his day.

Ionut Trif
"Duiliu Zamfirescu" School, Focsani, Romania
Teacher Petru Dumitru <petrudumitru@netscape.net>