Johannes Brahms
Johannes Brahms was a German composer of the Romantic era, known for symphonies, chamber music, piano works, and choral pieces including his German Requiem.
Working in the late nineteenth century, Brahms represented the conservative tradition against Wagner's innovations—a rivalry that defined the musical debates of his time.
His four symphonies and violin concerto remain orchestral staples.
Of ancient Greece/Rome
- GermanCentral European language
- conductorOne who directs musicians
- chamber musicSmall-group classical compositions
- liederArchaic word for songs
requiem · orchestration · counterpoint · sonata · musicianship · score · maestro · concerto
Large instrumental ensemble
- movementChange in position
- adagioSlow musical tempo
- allegroBrisk tempo marking
- conductorOne who directs musicians
strings · brass · woodwinds · percussion · finale · overture · crescendo · fortissimo
Simultaneous independent melodies
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- chromaticismUse of non-scale tones
- modulationVarying signals to transmit
- tonalityMusic organized around tonic
structure · variation · polyphony · fugue · cross-rhythm · contrapuntal
Array of input keys
- sonataMulti-movement instrumental composition
- intermezzoBrief linking musical passage
- capriccioFreeform lively composition
- rhapsodyEffusive musical composition
ballade · scherzo · recital · pedal · arpeggio · cadence · prelude · nocturne
Of the harvest season
- melancholySubdued, lasting sadness
- nostalgiaLonging for the past
- wistfulnessTender sadness for absence
- yearningIntense prolonged craving
introspection · pensive · bittersweet · somber · reflective · warmth · tenderness · resignation
classical
Of ancient Greece/Rome
- GermanCentral European language
- conductorOne who directs musicians
- chamber musicSmall-group classical compositions
lieder · requiem · orchestration · counterpoint · sonata · musicianship · score · maestro · concerto · virtuoso
orchestra
Large instrumental ensemble
conductor · strings · brass · woodwinds · percussion · finale · overture · crescendo · fortissimo · symphonic
counterpoint
Simultaneous independent melodies
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- chromaticismUse of non-scale tones
- modulationVarying signals to transmit
tonality · structure · variation · polyphony · fugue · cross-rhythm · contrapuntal
keyboard
Array of input keys
- sonataMulti-movement instrumental composition
- intermezzoBrief linking musical passage
- capriccioFreeform lively composition
rhapsody · ballade · scherzo · recital · pedal · arpeggio · cadence · prelude · nocturne · Waltzes
autumnal
Of the harvest season
- melancholySubdued, lasting sadness
- nostalgiaLonging for the past
- wistfulnessTender sadness for absence
yearning · introspection · pensive · bittersweet · somber · reflective · warmth · tenderness · resignation · twilight
Johannes BrahmsRichard Wagner
Franz Liszt · Giacomo Puccini · theatrical spectacle · Claude Debussy · Igor Stravinsky