Brahms: Symphony No. 1 [NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, Günter Wand]

Conducted by Günter Wand, the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra performs Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68. This performance was recorded in 1997 at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival in Kiel.

Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1

Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68, is a monumental work in symphonic literature, marking a significant point in the history of the genre. Brahms, a German composer, took nearly 21 years to complete this symphony, which was first performed in 1876. The long gestation period of the symphony is reflective of Brahms’ meticulous and self-critical approach to composition.

The symphony is often viewed in the context of Brahms’ relationship with the legacy of Beethoven. Brahms was acutely aware of the towering figure of Beethoven in the symphonic realm, and this awareness contributed to his hesitation and self-imposed pressure to create a work of lasting significance. His Symphony No. 1 has been frequently dubbed “Beethoven’s Tenth” due to its stylistic similarities to Beethoven’s symphonies, particularly the Ninth. This comparison, while flattering, also underscores Brahms’ success in forging his own musical path while paying homage to his predecessor.

Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 is notable for its structural rigor and its emotional depth. The symphony is deeply rooted in the classical traditions of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, but Brahms injects a romantic sensibility into the work. This is evident in the symphony’s dramatic contrasts, the complexity of its thematic development, and the richness of its orchestration.

The symphony is characterized by its use of motivic development, a hallmark of Brahms’ compositional style. Brahms weaves together small musical ideas, transforming and developing them throughout the movements of the symphony. This technique allows for a high level of thematic integration and unity across the symphony, despite the diversity of moods and textures presented.

Moreover, Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 is distinguished by its emotional intensity and dramatic narrative. The symphony traverses a wide emotional landscape, from the brooding and turbulent opening to the triumphant and uplifting finale. The journey from darkness to light, or from struggle to resolution, is a key aspect of the symphonic narrative, reflecting Brahms’ own struggles and triumphs in the creation of this work.

Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 is a masterpiece that bridges the classical and romantic eras. Its fusion of rigorous structure and emotional expressiveness, along with its nod to the symphonic legacy of Beethoven, makes it a landmark in the symphonic repertoire. The symphony not only established Brahms as a successor to Beethoven but also as a unique voice in the world of orchestral music.

Movements

There are four movements. With start times in the video:

1. Un poco sostenuto – Allegro – Meno allegro 00:01
2. Andante sostenuto 14:50
3. Un poco allegretto e grazioso 24:15
4. Adagio – Più Andante – Allegro non troppo, ma con brio – Più allegro 29:30

1. Un poco sostenuto – Allegro – Meno allegro

The first movement of Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C minor, often referred to as the “Un poco sostenuto – Allegro,” is a masterful display of symphonic writing that sets the tone for the entire symphony. This movement is characterized by its dramatic intensity, complex structure, and profound emotional depth.

Beginning with a lengthy introduction marked “Un poco sostenuto” (a little sustained), the movement opens with a sense of somber and dramatic foreboding. This introduction is notable for its thematic richness and orchestral color. It features a timpani roll followed by a melodic line in the strings, creating a sense of tension and anticipation. The introduction serves not only as a mood-setter but also introduces some of the thematic material that will be developed throughout the movement.

Following the introduction, the movement transitions into the “Allegro” section, which is marked by its rhythmic drive and thematic complexity. In this section, Brahms demonstrates his skill in thematic development, a characteristic feature of his compositional style. The main theme is introduced by the strings and is characterized by its rhythmic vitality and melodic contours. This theme undergoes various transformations throughout the movement, showcasing Brahms’ mastery of motivic development.

The structure of the first movement is loosely based on the sonata form, a common structure for first movements in the classical symphonic tradition. However, Brahms modifies and expands this form, adding complexity and depth to the traditional framework. The development section of the movement is particularly notable for its intricate interplay of themes and motifs. Brahms weaves together the introduced themes, exploring their possibilities and creating a dense, richly textured musical tapestry.

The recapitulation brings back the main themes, but with alterations and a more triumphant character, leading to a powerful conclusion. The movement ends with a coda that reinforces the dramatic and emotional intensity of the entire movement.

2. Andante sostenuto

The second movement of Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, marked “Andante sostenuto,” provides a striking contrast to the vigorous and dramatic first movement. This movement is characterized by its lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and serene, introspective quality.

In the “Andante sostenuto,” Brahms showcases his gift for melody and his ability to create a rich, emotional landscape. The movement opens with a gentle and flowing theme in the strings, setting a mood of tranquil reflection. This theme is notable for its warmth and lyricism, embodying a sense of peacefulness and introspection. The orchestration is delicate and nuanced, with Brahms using the different sections of the orchestra to create a tapestry of sound that is both lush and intimate.

The structure of the second movement is more straightforward than the first, adhering more closely to traditional forms. It is generally in a modified sonata form, with a clear exposition, development, and recapitulation, but Brahms infuses this structure with his unique sense of musical narrative and thematic development.

Throughout the movement, Brahms develops the initial theme in various ways, exploring its emotional and musical possibilities. The development section introduces some contrast, with more agitated and darker moments, but these never overshadow the overall sense of calm and introspection. This section allows Brahms to delve deeper into the emotional content of the movement, creating a sense of inner turmoil that is eventually resolved.

The recapitulation brings a return to the serene mood of the opening but with a deeper sense of emotional richness and maturity. The movement concludes with a coda that reiterates the main theme, bringing the movement to a peaceful and satisfying close.

3. Un poco allegretto e grazioso

The third movement of Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 is a distinct departure from the introspective serenity of the second movement, introducing a more playful and energetic character. This movement, typically labeled as “Un poco allegretto e grazioso,” blends the traditional scherzo form with Brahms’ unique lyrical and rhythmic sensibilities.

Unlike the typical scherzo found in many symphonies of the Classical and Romantic periods, Brahms’ third movement is more akin to an intermezzo, a term he often used for lighter, more playful movements in his other works. The “Un poco allegretto e grazioso” is lighter in mood and texture compared to the preceding movements, providing a charming and somewhat whimsical contrast.

The movement opens with a gentle, dance-like theme that is both graceful and buoyant. This theme, presented initially in the woodwinds, has a folk-like quality, imbued with a sense of simplicity and charm. The orchestration here is lighter, allowing the playful character of the music to shine through. Brahms’ skill in varying orchestration is evident, as he uses different sections of the orchestra to add color and contrast to the thematic material.

Structurally, the movement follows a modified ternary form (ABA), a common structure for middle movements in symphonies. The A section introduces the main theme and its playful variations, while the B section offers a contrast in mood and texture. In the B section, Brahms introduces a more lyrical and expansive theme, providing a moment of repose and reflection amidst the playful energy of the movement.

The return of the A section brings back the initial dance-like theme, further developing it with subtle variations and orchestral color. The movement concludes with a light and graceful coda, reinforcing the overall mood of charm and playfulness.

4. Adagio – Più Andante – Allegro non troppo, ma con brio – Più allegro

The finale of Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C minor is a monumental and triumphant conclusion to the symphony. This movement, marked “Adagio – Piu andante – Allegro non troppo ma con brio,” is renowned for its dramatic intensity, thematic complexity, and emotional depth, embodying the culmination of the symphonic journey initiated in the earlier movements.

The movement begins with a slow introduction (“Adagio”), which sets a solemn and introspective tone. This introduction is marked by a sense of grandeur and depth, featuring rich orchestration and powerful, broad themes. The mood here is reflective, almost meditative, providing a contrast to the energetic finale that follows.

Transitioning from the Adagio, the movement moves into the “Piu andante” section, which serves as a bridge to the main body of the movement. This section is notable for its lyrical quality and its role in building tension and anticipation for the Allegro.

The Allegro non troppo ma con brio section is the heart of the fourth movement, characterized by its vigorous energy and thematic richness. Brahms introduces a famous, triumphant theme, often likened to Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” from his Ninth Symphony, both in its character and its symphonic significance. This theme is majestic and uplifting, representing a triumphant resolution to the symphonic narrative.

Brahms’ mastery of thematic development is on full display in this section. He expertly weaves together the new themes introduced in this movement with elements from the previous movements, creating a sense of cohesion and unity across the entire symphony. The development of these themes is both intricate and powerful, showcasing Brahms’ ability to balance complex musical structures with emotional expressiveness.

The finale builds to a powerful and triumphant conclusion, marked by a grandeur and scale befitting the conclusion of such a monumental work. The orchestration is rich and full, with the entire orchestra contributing to the final, exultant statement of the main theme.

In summary, the fourth movement of Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 is a fitting conclusion to the symphony, encapsulating the journey from darkness to light, from introspection to triumph. It is a testament to Brahms’ skill as a composer, blending classical forms with the emotional depth and expressiveness of the Romantic era. This movement not only provides a satisfying conclusion to the symphony but also stands as a significant achievement in the symphonic repertoire, showcasing Brahms’ unique voice and his contribution to the development of the symphony as a genre.

Sources

• Johannes Brahms on Wikipedia
• Symphony No. 1 (Brahms) on Wikipedia
• Symphony No. 1, Op. 68 (Brahms, Johannes) on the International Music Score Library Project website
• “Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68” on the L.A. Phil website
• “Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68” on the Boston Symphony OIrchestra’s official website
• “Brahms – Symphony No. 1 – A Beginners Guide” on The Classical Review website
• “Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68” on the Encyclopedia Britannica website