Brahms Variations from String Sextet op. 18

[pianovirus]

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This is Brahms' own transcription of the 2nd movement. He gave it as a birthday present to Clara Schumann on September 13, 1860. Later, this transcription became one of his favorite pieces to play both in public and private concerts.

[communist]

Quite good.

A few suggestions:

Change tempi more often even if Brahms did not indicate to.

Use more pedal, with too little it ruins the orchestral effect.

More dynamics, in Brahms you rarely see FF or PP, so make the Ps and the Fs more varied.

[pianovirus]

Thanks, communist!

Change tempi more often even if Brahms did not indicate to.

I used to have more tempo changes before my teacher convinced me that this "quasi-Chaconne" should be played throughout in relatively steady pulse (especially theme + first 3 variations, because there is a continuous composed speed-up effect anyway, 1/8->16ths->16th ternary->1/32s). Having said, I still agree with you that it's interesting to explore how it feels with more volatile tempo, or maybe just a bit more rubato at the right places.

Use more pedal, with too little it ruins the orchestral effect.

Maybe you would have liked my original idea of the piece better, because I used to apply more pedal, especially in Var. 1, but then the LH pauses get completely lost, and now I like the more rhythmic feel that is obtained with less pedal.

More dynamics, in Brahms you rarely see FF or PP, so make the Ps and the Fs more varied.

Good comment, I fully agree. Thanks again!

[communist]

Thanks, communist!

I used to have more tempo changes before my teacher convinced me that this "quasi-Chaconne" should be played throughout in relatively steady pulse (especially theme + first 3 variations, because there is a continuous composed speed-up effect anyway, 1/8->16ths->16th ternary->1/32s). Having said, I still agree with you that it's interesting to explore how it feels with more volatile tempo, or maybe just a bit more rubato at the right places.

Maybe you would have liked my original idea of the piece better, because I used to apply more pedal, especially in Var. 1, but then the LH pauses get completely lost, and now I like the more rhythmic feel that is obtained with less pedal.

Good comment, I fully agree. Thanks again!

My pleasure.