Brahms Rhapsody no.2 (opus 79)

[sarah the pianist]

Hi, Im new to here. has anyone played the Brahms rhapsody no.2 in G minor as I am learning it at the moment and I would like to know about other peoples interpretations.

[nanabush]

I played this about 2 years ago, still something that I'm playing today!  After the introduction, after the two ritardandos, and the fermata comes the nice octave/chord section.  I had more trouble than anything getting the dynamics to suit the notes (let alone get the notes right).  Melody in the upper right hand has to stand out, and the left hand must support it.  Make sure you don't pound out the left hand notes, but make sure they are heard.

--actually I take that back, right after the octave jumps in the left hand following the right hand chords, there's a ritardando with three right hand chords accompanied by descending octave jumps in left hand ( I hope I described that part ok)... notorious section, it has to be brought out, and [most] editions require a crescendo here.. That is probably the most technical part of this piece.

The majority of the middle section is extremely lyrical and soft, make sure you create that atmosphere when playing.  Use some rubatos, just enough so that there is still a pulse.  In the parts where there are running notes (I'm mostly talking about the part coming right after the octave sections) keep the left hand notes legato, even though there are massive jumps.  The pedal helps here, but you should try to keep the non-staccato touch here with left hand...

Ya, that was most of the stuff that I really worked at when I learnt this, hopefully I helped a little . lol if you need any more advice/insight, just reply whenever.

Take care!

[teresa_b]

This is a lovely piece!  I have played it, as well as Op 79 no 1.  I think nanabush made some great suggestions.  Just in general, I have heard this played way too "bangy" for my taste, with overly harsh bass notes.  My personal feeling is, it must be lyrical and melodious even while you emphasize those big LH octaves.  In the section where it says "misterioso", that's a wonderful hint Brahms gave us--should be enigmatic and smoky. 

At the end, get as ppp as you possibly can..and then, crash those chords!

Have fun!
Teresa

[sarah the pianist]

Thanx,
          they were both helpfull replies and I thought you described the passages very well (better than I could have done anyway!!)
I think that the most challenging part of this piece for me, is the fast octave section near the beggining as I find it difficult to jump an octave. (it might also be that I have quite small hands as I am only 12) It is getting better and neater the more I practice! I also tend to make it harder for myself as I love the piece and get a little over excited and play a little too fast!

thanx again,
    Sarah
     

[dan101]

This work is awesome. I've had it in my repertoire for decades. Dynamic contrast is important. Also, be careful not to rush the loud section that comes before the second theme. It's the steadiness and relentless drive that makes this piece exciting. Have fun.

[minstrel]

One thing I did not realize until I read it in some liner notes, is that the Rhapsody is basically a sonata-allegro form. This should help to understand the structure of the piece.

[dnephi]

If you're 12 years old and having technical difficulty, you might not be ready for the piece.

[teresa_b]

I didn't realize you are only 12!  That's quite a piece for a 12-year-old to master, even a really skilled one.  Learn it by all means, but my suggestion is, keep it and work on it from time to time, and don't try to perfect it or play it in recital for several years.  You will find it gets much better with insight and technique development. 

All the best,
Teresa

[slobone]

Actually it's one of those pieces that's not as hard as it sounds. I did it at quite an early age (and I was no prodigy!). It was my first Brahms -- the second was the B minor Capriccio IIRC.

It's also a great way to test out the bottom note on a piano you're thinking of buying...

[teresa_b]

Actually it's one of those pieces that's not as hard as it sounds. I did it at quite an early age (and I was no prodigy!). It was my first Brahms -- the second was the B minor Capriccio IIRC.

It's also a great way to test out the bottom note on a piano you're thinking of buying...

That's true, it isn't that technically difficult, but if you have trouble reaching an octave it may present some problems.  I was thinking more of the interpretive subtleties that come with long acquaintance with these Brahms pieces.  You are right, I think, that Op 79 no2 is not the most introspective of the late Brahms pieces, and it may lend itself pretty well to youthful interpretations. 

Teresa

[dnephi]

In Brahms, interpretive difficulties and demands on maturity far outweigh technical difficulties.

[slobone]

That's true, it isn't that technically difficult, but if you have trouble reaching an octave it may present some problems.  I was thinking more of the interpretive subtleties that come with long acquaintance with these Brahms pieces.  You are right, I think, that Op 79 no2 is not the most introspective of the late Brahms pieces, and it may lend itself pretty well to youthful interpretations. 

Teresa

Oops, don't want to give the wrong impression. I learned to play it at an early age, but I'll bet I sounded pretty terrible. Any piece by Brahms takes musical maturity to play with real understanding. But hey, when you're young you have to play something, you can't just do exercises till you're grown up...