David Dutkanicz - A First Book of Brahms: 26 Arrangements for the Beginning Pianist

Originally titled Cradle Song, this piece was first written for voice and piano. The simple tune has become Brahmss most famous work, known throughout the world as a bedtime lullaby. Play it gently and cradle the melody.

Brahms composed four symphonies in his career. As is custom, each symphony has four contrasting movements. This charming melody is from the opening of the second movement of Symphony No. 3.

Just like his famous Lullaby, Brahms set another bedtime poem to music. The poem reads: The flowers are long asleep. In the moonlight, they nod their heads. Keep that image in mind when playing this piece.

This upbeat work is taken from a short collection entitled Four Pieces for Piano. These pieces were written in 1893, and were Brahmss last works for solo piano. Keep the tempo steady, and contrast the second section by playing the piano dynamic as marked.

Just like library books, music books need to be cataloged. For this, opus (which means a work) numbers are assigned, usually in order of publication. The Piano Sonata in C Major was Brahmss first work published, and so it is known as Opus 1.

This powerful melody begins a work for an ensemble known as a piano quintet: two violins, viola, cello and piano. To give it more strength, the melody is played by all instruments together. In the beginning, the left and right hands play the same notes, in octaves. Listen to how this helps project the sound.

Its curious to note that Brahms never composed an opera. However, he did write over 200 songs! This sweet melody is set to a text by the poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (pronounced Gr-ta ), whose poems were used by many composers.

This song is the setting of a poem by Karl von Lemcke. By using a minor key and sneaky sharps that twist and turn the melody, Brahms paints a picture of a playful and mischievous salamander.

Written in 1881, Brahms dedicated this concerto to one of his favorite teachers. The opening is performed by French horns and cellos. Be sure to play with a warm sound, just like these instruments.

Serenades are songs of love; their name is derived from the Italian word for calm sereno. Play the notes smoothly, conveying a sense of calm. Use the quiet piano dynamic to come to a gentle end.

The fourth and last symphony was premiered in 1885 with Brahms himself conducting the orchestra. It quickly became an audience favorite and is still one of his most popular works. A key to practicing: there is a repeated pattern in the left-hand fingerings.

Rhapsodies are works that develop freely, not following any set form. This flowing melody is echoed in the left hand. Pay attention to the triplets, making sure theyre played evenly in both hands.

This piece is taken from a collection of 16 waltzes that were published in one volume. Brahms originally wrote them for piano four-hands, which means two people playing together on one piano. Hold the tempo steady and dance-like.

Brahms was an accomplished pianist and used many different techniques when composing. In this intermezzo he uses echoes, repeating short melodies between hands and in different registers. Keep these even, and use dynamics to create a conversation.