Brahms Rhapsody in G minor

[redbaron]

My teacher has given me the Brahms Rhapsody Op 79 No 2 in G minor to learn. This will be my first serious attempt at learning a Brahms piece. As much as I love this piece I am somewhat daunted by the prospect.

Brahms is often accused of being unpianistic. Do you think that this applies to this piece?

Also, are there any particular technical hurdles that I should be aware of (other than the horrendous sounding/looking) leaps in bars 9-13? 

[thalbergmad]

I have not played this for years, but do not recall when I did any huge difficulties.

It is the first Rhapsody that used to frighten me. The second used to be a grade 8 piece, so it is not considered as difficult.

Thal

[kitty on the keys]

I just love this piece and most of Brahms' music. I find his music falls very well under the hand and enjoy playing his works over Chopin. You have to work on voicing the octaves and keeping the arm free as you throw it for the leaps. The texture is thick and you should record yourself to make sure the melody is projecting. Have fun! It's worth all the work and very rewarding!!!

Kitty on the Keys

[birba]

This was also my first Brahms piece in the prehistoric era.  I think your teacher really made the right choice.  There are easier pieces, but this is not difficult at all, and gives you a real gutsy Brahms feeling.   

[stevebob]

It looks like this piece was the introduction to Brahms for many of us (me too!), and I agree with the others that it's a great choice.  (Although I'm squarely in the "Brahms is awkward" camp, I think that's less of an issue with this piece than many others.)

[izanagi]

Its technically not as hard as the first. But in fact the first one is also quite managable, compared to many other pieces out there, technically and musically speaking.

Good luck learning and see if you can learn the complete set.