Brahms Introductory

[akonow]

My teacher suggested that I start a Brahms piece and I was looking at the waltzes and some Hungarian dances. I want a piece that kind of captures the spirit of Brahms but also challenges my musical and technical skills. Do you guys have any suggestions? Thank you.

[dnephi]

The waltzes are good ideas and not overplayed.

[pianovirus]

akonow, I greatly enjoy the Waltzes and Hungarian Dances, but they really provide only one facet of Brahms' piano music. As an introduction to another facet (and maybe what is by many first associated with the "spirit" of Brahms' music), I would recommend one of the op.10 Ballades (maybe the first one which is based on a gory Scottish ballad) or one of the late pieces from op. 116-119. Maybe you know some of them, e.g. op. 117/1 or 118/2 are really famous and technically very accessible but musically very challenging. Good luck!

[sharon_f]

akonow, I greatly enjoy the Waltzes and Hungarian Dances, but they really provide only one facet of Brahms' piano music. As an introduction to another facet (and maybe what is by many first associated with the "spirit" of Brahms' music), I would recommend one of the op.10 Ballades (maybe the first one which is based on a gory Scottish ballad) or one of the late pieces from op. 116-119. Maybe you know some of them, e.g. op. 117/1 or 118/2 are really famous and technically very accessible but musically very challenging. Good luck!

I second pianovirus' suggestions. (The "Edward" Ballade, Op. 10, No. 1 was my first Brahms.) You might also consider the Rhapsody in G minor, Op. 79, No. 2. I know it is overplayed, but for a very good reason. It's a terrific piece of music.

[fnork]

If you want something challenging - how about the paganini variations 
But seriously, the suggestions that have been made are good - try to play some chamber music too if you have the possibility to play with someone. The first cello sonata is a great piece with a not so difficult piano part (comparing to, for instance, the 2nd cello sonata, heh...)

[dnephi]

akonow, I greatly enjoy the Waltzes and Hungarian Dances, but they really provide only one facet of Brahms' piano music. As an introduction to another facet (and maybe what is by many first associated with the "spirit" of Brahms' music), I would recommend one of the op.10 Ballades (maybe the first one which is based on a gory Scottish ballad) or one of the late pieces from op. 116-119. Maybe you know some of them, e.g. op. 117/1 or 118/2 are really famous and technically very accessible but musically very challenging. Good luck!

I think that the late pieces are too ambitious and difficult for an introductory work. 

[bballpianist]

I agree with what has been said. My first Brahm's piece was Intermezzo Op. 118 No. 2. While it doesn't really present any technical difficulties, it really is quite beautiful. After that I believe I played Rhapsody in G Minor Op. 79 No. 2. This has a few tricky parts, but it's not overly difficult.

[benchoi]

WHere the heck is Waltz Op.39 No.9

[john11inc]

The Klavierstucke Op. 76 is probably his most underrated work.

[mikey6]

The Dances and Waltzes are bloody hard!  Unless you're aiming for the simplified version of the waltzes?
The Rhapsody's are a good suggestion or op.21 variations.