Johannes Brahms
Intermezzo
in A Major, Op. 118 No. 2
This lyrical, moving, nocturne-like Intermezzo pulls us into a world of dreamy nostalgia and quiet longing. It sways tenderly like a lullaby, with the typical Brahmsian sophisticated web of inner voices.
Year: 1893
Period: Early Romantic
Piano score: PS Urtext 
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Intermezzo Op. 118 No. 2 - FREE SAMPLE (mp3 file) 
Secret Love Letter
Behind the somewhat bland titles that Brahms gave his late piano pieces (Intermezzo, Capriccio, Rhapsody, etc.) we find music of great introspection and beauty. That is certainly true of this Intermezzo, which is among his most beloved compositions. Often referred to as a secret love letter to Clara Schumann, it is a very popular choice among good amateur pianists. Such endeavors are certainly worthy, and the pianist will be well rewarded with a nostalgic and yearning experience that calms the soul and lifts the spirit.Background
The Klavierstücke Op.118 were written in 1893 during the composer's yearly summer sojourn at Bad Ischl. Like his other late outpourings of short pieces for the piano (op. 116, 117, and 119), they were written mainly for Clara Schumann, who was still a formidable pianist in her 70s at the time. No one knows just how deep the feelings between Clara and Johannes were after Robert’s death, but it is obvious that the two loved each other very dearly.Forum posts about this piece:
Brahms Intermezzo 118 a major by markjaffe
I have gotten to the point where I can play through the intermezzo 118 no 2 fairly well. The part that I am having an issue with is with the repeat section from m49 to m56. Here the alto and tenor notes create...
[ATCL in 2 weeks] slightly under time limit by jessipch
hi guys, I will be having my ATCL in 2 weeks. We did record (including bowings) which was within 32-38 mins (~33mins), as required by Trinity. I just checked their syllabus:[i]the time between movements...
Improving finger weight and hearing by jessipch
How can you improve finger weight? I have been playing brahms intermezzo op118 no.2 My teacher pointed out a very serious problem of mine: poor touch--not firm and even enough. In the past I...
Brahms Intermezzo Op. 118, No. 2-- Fingering by jcmusic
Hi, Just started this piece. As always, having fingering problems. The public domain version I have has no fingering suggestions. I also got I think the Dover edition from the...
JOHANNES BRAHMS -"INTERMEZZO OP118 NO2 IN MAJOR A" by bach_ko
hi~ i'm looking for the information of "intermezzo op119 no2 in major A" by brahms, is anyone of u out there know about it? i couldn't find the story about it... if u guys know it pleas tell...
Re: help me find a good romantic, "erotic" sounding piece to play by dnephi
Grieg miniature Erotik, I believe. Umm, there's gymnopedia I by satie as well. For real romance, there's Brahms Op. 118 No....
Intermezzo Op. 118/2 - Roman-numeral analysis by allchopin
As the title suggests, I am looking to do a Roman-numeral analysis on Brahms' well-known intermezzo and I could use some advice. First of all, would anyone be willing to go through the piece (sans...
Intermezzo Op 118 No 2 by meli
Hi Guys. Has anyone studied this piece? I am really struggling with the expression in it! I have heard several recordings of it, and it sounds so beautiful. I try to phrase it nicely and play it slowly (with...
brahms by rubix
I am playing Intermezzo Op. 188, No. 2, by Brahms, and was wondering if rubato is expected or acceptable in this piece. It seems to me to flow much better rubato is...
I recorded Intermezzo op 118, no 2 by Mykinator
Hi guys, I have a recital coming up in a little over a week. So I decided to record my piece. The sound quality isn't very good, and I made some mistakes, please pardon as I just wanted to...
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Intermezzo Op. 118 No. 2 in A Major, a composition by the early romantic composer Johannes Brahms who was born in 1833 and died in 1897. The piano score of this piece was first published in 1893 and is part of Brahms's Six Pieces.