Johannes Brahms
Rhapsody
in G Minor, Op. 79 No. 2
This Big Romantic Piece has it all: a tragic but proud mood, sweeping gestures, mysterious harmonies, and shattering climaxes.
Year: 1880
Period: Early Romantic
Piano score: Scanned score 
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Passionate, brooding Brahms
The Rhapsody No. 2 in G-Minor dates from 1879. Brahms didn’t release it for publication right away, but he did send it to a couple of friends, one of whom was Clara Schumann. He intended it to be something she could play for enjoyment, but she said that it was like some of his earlier things that she had to take time to like. The piece is quite orchestral in nature, and Brahms already had his first two symphonies under his belt when he wrote the second rhapsody. It is written in classical sonata form, its passionate first theme contrasted with a second, marked misterioso. The brooding middle section in the minor recalls the opening theme of the first symphony, and the major keys hark respectfully back to the last movement of the second symphony. The familiarity of the writing, along with its emotional impact, make the second rhapsody one of the most popular short concert pieces for pianists.Background
The Two Rhapsodies, Opus 79, were among the works Brahms wrote during a summer at Pörtschach in 1879. They were dedicated to Elisabet von Herzogenberg, herself a composer, whose house in Leipzig served as a centre for a circle of admirers of Brahms.Forum posts about this piece:
Brahms Rhapsody in G Minor, Pedaling Question by devbanana
I'm (re)working on Brahms' Rhapsody in G Minor Op. 79 No. 2. I went through it a few years ago, let it go stale and am now re-learning it. Anyway I had a question about the section after...
Seeking Repertoire Suggestions (older pianist coming back) by starrmusic
Any suggestions for new pieces for someone who's been away from classical repertoire for many years? I just re-memorized Brahms Rhapsody, Op. 79 2 (g min,) which I had played in college almost 50...
What should I learn next? by samuel.saarikivi
Hey! What should I learn next? I've played these during past 8 months: Bach: Sinfonia no 15 b minor Händel: Suite no 11 d HWV 437 Rameau: Les sauvages (harpsichord)
Repertoire Suggestions by lukepettyjohn
I am currently working on the following classical pieces. I also play piano for church so I practice arrangements of hymns and other Christian songs as well (Mark Hayes, Marilynn Ham, Cindy Berry, etc.)...
Identifying these two pieces by xizaf
Can someone please help identify these pieces?
Liszt or Brahms? by takeo
What would you play in an audition? Liszt- Valse Oubliée nº 1 Brahms- Rhapsody op. 79 nº 2? Thank...
Brahms Rhapsody no.2 (opus 79) by sarah the pianist
Hi, :D Im new to here. has anyone played the Brahms rhapsody no.2 in G minor as I am learning it at the moment and I would like to know about other peoples interpretations....
Brahms by rach3pianoconcerto
just a quick question to ask to those who have played it before. Brahms Rhapsodie 79/2. Is this an overly difficult piece technically or is easy to get the hang of. Secondly, when i am going through the...
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Rhapsody Op. 79 No. 2 in G Minor, a composition by the early romantic composer Johannes Brahms. The piano score of this piece was first published in 1880 and is part of Two Rhapsodies by Brahms.