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Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Symphony No. 4, E Minor, Op. 98 (Mvt. 4)

Instrumentation: flutes (2), oboes (2), clarinets (2), bassoons (2), contrabassoon, French horns (4), trumpets (2), trombones (3), timpani, strings

Form: theme and variations (ground-bass or passacaglia)

CD 3, Tracks 1-4, Duration 10:18

Brahms composed his Fourth Symphony in the summers of 1884 and 1885 in the small Austrian town of Mürzzuschlag. Like many great works of music, the Fourth Symphony was not well received at its premiere in Vienna (1886). However, the work later became, not only well accepted, but generally referred to as one of the composer's most impressive works. The fourth (and last ) movement of the work is set in a theme and variations form. The use of this baroque musical form reflects the composer's interest in older musical styles.

The fourth movement is in the key of E minor. The main theme, which Brahms borrowed from Bach's Cantata No. 150, is stated at the outset and followed by thirty variations. The variations are of contrasting moods and deviate from the original theme in varying degrees. However, in most cases the original theme is recognizable. The movement may be described as a three-part form corresponding to the following pattern: A (Variations 1-11), B (Variations 12-15), A' (Variations 16-30). In general, the A section is faster and remains in the minor key. The B section is slower with several appearances of the main theme in major keys. The A' section recalls the general atmosphere of A. An extended coda, which treats the original theme rather freely, brings the work to an exciting close.

Section A -- Theme

1) Ascending theme presented in brass and woodwinds in E minor.

2) Variation 1. Timpani rolls, horns, violins (pizzicato).
:15 Variation 2. Oboe (and later flutes) against the main theme in cellos (pizzicato).
:31 Variation 3. Stately presentation of theme by woodwinds supported by the brass and timpani.
:46 Variation 4. Theme is presented by the lower strings above which the violins play an attractive countermelody. (Note the shifting octaves in the lower voice.)

1:03 Variation 5. Violins (supported by woodwinds) against a theme in pizzicato basses.
1:17 Variation 6. Violins continue in similar fashion as in Vars. 4 & 5.
1:31 Variation 7. Violin (high register) with a pronounced change in rhythm.
1:46 Variation 8. Violins (running passage) against theme in bass, decrescendo.
2:01 Variation 9. Louder. Running notes in strings similar to Var. 8.
2:18 Variation 10. Sustained chords alternating between strings and woodwinds.
2:40 Variation 11. Similar to Var. 10, yet more animated (staccato).

Section B (general change in mood)

3) Variation 12. Flute solo (legato) accompanied by strings. Note the increase in length of each variation).
:47 Variation 13. Clarinet alternating with oboe. Major key.
1:27 Variation 14. Trombones present hymn-like passage, descending French horn introduces
2:05 Variation 15. Oboe and brass (similar to Var. 14), descending flute phrase, ritardando, pause.

Section A'

4) Variation 16. Brasses and woodwinds recall the opening of the work.
:13 Variation 17. Woowinds supported by strings (tremolo).
:23 Variation 18. Horns and high woodwinds, ascending melody, crescendo.
:35 Variation 19. Violins answered by woodwinds. Sudden change of mood.
:46 Variation 20. Violins with triplet figures answered by brass. Otherwise similar to Var. 19.
:58 Variation 21. Strings and brass alternate. Timpani also prominent.
1:11 Variation 22. Suddenly softer, woodwinds, staccato phrases, staccato strings.
1:22 Variation 23. Horns play theme under running passages in the violins.
1:34 Variation 24. Brass alternate with strings. Timpani. Similar to Var. 1.
1:46 Variation 25. High violins recall the theme played by oboes in Var. 2.
2:00 Variation 26. Suddenly soft. Horns recall theme presented in Var. 3.
2:13 Variation 27. Woodwinds. New mood.
2:25 Variation 28. High woodwinds. Continuation of Var. 27.
2:37 Variation 29. Flute with strings (pizzicato) in background. Legato section follows.
2:50 Variation 30. Louder (cellos and violins).

Coda.

3:10 Brass and woodwinds present the theme in quicker tempo.
3:30 Strings accompanied by stately melody in the trombones.

3:38 Violins, crescendo.
3:45 Woodwinds, accelerated ascending theme answered by orchestra.
3:51 Orchestra, accelerated ascending theme, powerful ending chords.

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