Brahms composed his Two Rhapsodies during a summer stay in Pörtschach, Austria, in 1879.
They were originally called just Klavierstücke (Piano Pieces) but were renamed at the request of the dedicatee, Elisabeth von Herzogenberg.
Both Rhapsodies are strong and darkly dramatic works, rather similar in their expressive mode. However, the first of the pair is in the ABA form of a Scherzo, while the second, one of the Brahmsâs most popular and effective works, is cast in sonata form and only about half as long as its predecessor.
