Brahms Pieces

[cadenza14224]

For the longest time I've avoided playing any Brahms, due to my lack of understanding of his musical language; but recently I've gotten over that hill.

I would love to start playing a few pieces by him, but I don't know anywhere to start. I'm a highly proficient sight reader and all, but my technique lacks...so not trying to pursue anything tempestuous like the hungarian dances (piano solo) unfortunately.

I was thinking about the Intermezzo in C Major, Op. 119 as a good place to start for someone of my skill level. Anybody have any suggestions to any of his pieces that could build a good grounding to pursue his more heftier repertoire?

[49410enrique]

late brahms is probably not the best place to start. especially with your statement that you had issues with understanding him musically.

i'd start earlier. the ballades of op 10 maybe?

or the scherzo (op 4) perhaps?

Op 39 has some really wonderful waltzes you could do one, serval, all 16 of them....

[scherzo123]

late brahms is probably not the best place to start. especially with your statement that you had issues with understanding him musically.

i'd start earlier. the ballades of op 10 maybe?

or the scherzo (op 4) perhaps?

Op 39 has some really wonderful waltzes you could do one, several, all 16 of them....

+1

Maybe Brahms' Intermezzi Op.117, if you have the musicality. 

[pytheamateur]

My favourite is the 6 pieces of Op 118.  The rest I find quite difficult to understand.

[nanabush]

Op 117 is great!

My first Brahms piece was the Waltz in G# minor Op 39 (Grade 7 RCM; this was when I really knew nothing about composers, so I had no predisposed judgement on the piece... it was exhilarating).

Rhapsody in G minor is pretty standard... it's got a relatively difficult octave passage that comes up twice, but it's got such beautiful melodic moments in the middle... aahhh. And my first exposure to really expansive left hand work; really worthwhile playing that one!

[cadenza14224]

Thanks everybody (especially on that advice to avoid Op. 119....it's a LOT harder than it seems). I've chosen Op 117 No. 1...and obviously the cliche one I could just not resist, Op. 118 no. 2. Cannot wait to dig into these dense pieces!