Brahms Intermezzo Op. 117 No. 3 (first quarter/half)

[echoyjeff222]

Hey all,

I've been practicing this Brahms piece for a month or two now. I absolutely love the texture and melody of it. I just recorded the first part of it and was hoping for some comments. I've been working hard on my voicing and my tempo (still not sure how fast I want it ... right now it seems a tad slow). Thanks!

[awesom_o]

Very sensitive playing with many positive qualities, although it sounds a little bit choppy.

Try to convey more actual musical energy with less overall sound. This will help you to sound more sumptuous and compelling.

You are doing a good job developing the texture, but I think it could be both richer and smoother, without being louder.

[brogers70]

This is a fantastic piece, isn't it? I think your tempo is fine; it should move along but not too fast. You've got the notes for sure. Here are some things I'd suggest.

1. Look at Brahms' dynamics - sempre sotto voce. It's very restrained (and people who saw Brahms play commented on how restrained he was).

2. Aim for more legato in the theme; right now it sounds a little mechanical and clunky. It's hard, of course, because of the octaves.

3. I think of this piece as having a really constrained, held-back despair to it. Brahms called it "the lullaby of all my griefs." I think it should have the feeling that the intense, uncontrollable emotion is always below the surface trying to break through, but never actually breaking out. That, to me, is the point of the sempre sotto voce.

4. If you like trying to make sense of this section, wait til you try to figure out the middle section.

You could think about this piece for days on end and not exhaust it.

Enjoy. It's a great start.

[echoyjeff222]

Sorry for the late reply! Been away from the piano for a week or so (spring break trip). I was hoping this was going in the right direction, based on the feedback ... I've been focusing on the legato in the theme and going for that restraint that you mentioned. I find that if I have more restraint, it sounds smoother and less clangy.