This week you will be listening to two pieces written by Johannes Brahms.  Brahms was a German composer who lived from 1833-1897.  He was a good friend of Robert and Clara Schumann with Clara helping to promote his music by performing it in her concerts.

The first piece, the Ballade in g minor, has two contrasting characters, the first being fiery and jagged and the second a beautiful cantabile duet calling for an extreme legato touch.  The second piece is one of Brahm’s most famous compositions, the Intermezzo in A major.  It is of one character and has an almost improvisatory feel to the phrasing.  It calls for careful voicing and again a beautiful legato touch.