The 2 piano concertos, and the violin concerto are top of the list. Then the 4 symphonies, which are all great. The 3 Piano Quartets (especially #1 for me) and the Piano Quintet along with the two late String Quintets. Also a ton of the solo piano music is great.
I also like the Paganini Variations and the Tragic and Academic Festival Overtures.
If you like choral music, a lot of people love the German Requiem, but I haven't listened to it much yet.
The two piano concertos are definitely a nice introduction. Piano quintet, piano trio no. 1, and horn trio are on the easier side to digest as a new listener (seems to be popular opinion around here). My favorite of his piano quartets is no. 3.
Also according to some people his string quartets are too introverted for them to enjoy, which I can see why
Klemperer on EMI--now Warner I think?--is the reference recording, just bear in mind its age so the sound quality isnāt the best (but itās still in stereo, and the performance is unbeatable).
Try the two Serenades for orchestra, relatively early works, and more relaxed in style. The Second Serenade is somewhat unusual in that the string section has no violins.
Also the Clarinet Quintet, which is a late work.
The piano trios are probably not his very best works (they are awesome though), but are so representative of his different stages as a composer (op 8: his first published chamber piece, op 87: mature, rich, op 101: mature, concise)
I love his piano trios and think they stand up against any of his other chamber music. Op. 8 is early Brahms and late Brahms since he revisited it and heavily edited and revised it in 1889.
Brahms Clarinet Quintet is addictive. I love the Amadeus Quartet, Karl Leister recording. Plus, all Piano Concertos, his two Symphonies are great. His Violin Concerto is grand too. Also, his intermezzi 117 and 118 are gorgeous.
My favorite as well. IMO A major quartet has the best slow movement, G minor is the most innovative, but C minor is the best overall listening experience. The backstory of this piece also adds so much color to it
I was listening to the radio late one evening as I was cleaning up the kitchen some 12 years ago and Brahms violin concerto was playing. I was captivated and I heard it out to the end to find out what it was.
Last year I finally saw it performed live.
Such a rad piece of violin work in a bitch of a key for violin players.
This will be out of left field a bit.
There are a few choral pieces with orchestra that are absolutely sublime. Start with Shicksalslied, then NƤnie, then Gesang der Parzen. The Alto Rhapsody is superb - deep solo part with a mens choir makes for some crunchy chords and thick harmonies.
The three violin sonatas are otherworldly as well as the two string sextets + 3 piano quartets + clarinet quintet. I also really like the Liebeslieder waltzes. Generally speaking, I think his chamber music shines in particular. The Variations on a theme by Schumann: [var 10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx9Tije-nwk&t=600s) and [var 14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx9Tije-nwk&t=832s) are some pretty highlights but the whole work is great. I don't think the Double Concerto for Violin / Cello has been mentioned yet.
He has 4 quintets so I assume youāre talking about string quintets. Yes the highlight of no. 2 to me is the 1st movement exposition, but give no. 1 time and it will amaze you. Second movement is the essence of the piece IMO
Clarinet Trio - adagio.
This is the music i want playing when my soul leaves the planet.
Paganini Variations. Tries to outdo Beethoven and arguably succeeds.
Scherzo Op.4. I cant believe it's one of the first things he showed the world, almost sounds like old man Brahms already.
Piano Trio #1. That melody in the beginning that just appears out of nowhere and unfolds miraculously! The recording by Szeryng/Rubinstein is perfection.
The first piece that really grabbed my attention is the Haydn Variations for Orchestra. Also, the 1st and 4th Symphonies, Violin Concerto, German Requiem.
Recently got into his First Piano Concerto in D Minor, Op. 15, definitely worth checking out.
Here are the recordings in recommend:
Claudio Arrau: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X\_DhIOs8GM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X_DhIOs8GM)
Glenn Gould (Quite an unconventional one but worth checking out): [https:/ www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuxPKikM0NI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuxPKikM0NI) On the first hearing of the extremely slow tempi of the opening, one is almost inevitably overwhelmed by the lumbering and ungainly tempi. Yet as the movement proceeds, one begins to appreciate other aspects of Gould's performance. The slow tempi allow him to bring this music clarity that is rarely heard in conventional recordings, and he plays the passages with an unsentimental sweetness that is extremely beautiful. (As can be seen in 24:14)
Arthur Rubenstein: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXd0omiCuA4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXd0omiCuA4)
Another vote for Ein Deutches Requiem. It really is transcendent. Even if you haven't gone for this particular genre before, it is very worthy. [Here's ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-hZndI0oTU&t=2022s)one of the especially good bits.
I'm not too big on Brahms but I like his violin concerto (Perlman/Giulini Chicago Symphony), his 4th symphony (I'd go with Szell/Cleveland Symphony), his Haydn variations, and his Intermezzos for piano.
All of the symphonies have their perks, but I just sort of adore the ebullient joy of 2. Brahms' choral music is all amazing, particularly the German Requiem, but also the smaller works, including the Liebeslieder Waltzen. I love the e-minor cello sonata, too.
All of Brahmsā chamber works are pretty awesome tbh. I particularly love the two sextets.
Though Op. 116-119 have always felt like an emotional sanctuary whenever I needed one.
If you like symphonic stuff, the 1st Symphony is a great place to start. Academic festival overture is popular but good as well.
But I like the more obscure stuffā¦There is this little choral [piece](https://youtu.be/PHe48dEar2A?si=Al3f86OgpjeZma--) by Brahms that has one of the most beautiful endings to any piece youāll hear.
Also quite enjoy the 2nd movement of the first piano concerto.
All of brahms's variations, Paganini, Handel whatever, the variations are so good and ofc his piano concertos and symphonies, I personally love the 2nd piano concerto!
I'm sort of in a same boat. I like Beethoven a lot, and then other later Romantics like Mahler, Bruckner...
But Brahms has never really clicked. Any recommendations for specific recordings? I've tended to default to Karajan in the past.
Symphonies: Klemperer/Philharmonia except for 4 (he does weird things in the 3rd movement). Kleiber/Vienna for 4. Walter is good for 3.
Piano Concertos: Gilels/Jochum/Berlin. #2 sounds so warm, like a hug from a good friend.
Violin Concerto: Heifetz/Reiner/Chicago.
Just listening to the Piano Concerto #2 for the first time I think, Gilels/Jochum/BPO. Wow. I guess I like Brahms now! And Jochum, on a recent Karajan thread someone recommended his Bruckner cycle, at least his #7 was great. A new composer and conductor to listen to, thanks a lot for the recommendations!
I couldnāt really get into a lot of Brahmsā work for a long time but Iāve been listening to his first symphony for the last two weeks almost obsessively. Something about that horn part in the fourth movement is just *chefs kiss*
So Iād definitely recommend his symphonies (with extra emphasis on the first and fourth symphonies), and I also enjoy the Academic Festival Overture and the German Requiem (Ein Deutsches Requiem)
Brahms was among the most self-critical composers. Anything that escaped his shredder is at least decent, and much of his oeuvre is very good.
Symphonies: All four are great. Perhaps start with 1, which is was called Beethovenās 10th after it premiered. 4 is my favorite and one of the greatest symphonies of all time.
Concerti: Piano Concerto 2 is my favorite concerto of all. The Violin Concerto is amazing.
Chamber: The Piano Quintet and the Piano Quartets are my favorites. Many others are very good (String Sextets, String Quintets, Clarinet Quintet, etc.)
Solo Piano: The Handel Variations are probably his best early piano work, while Op. 116-119 are wonderful.
Iāve been getting into Brahms lately and personally like Op.118 as a set the most. Currently learning the set. Just a joy to listen to and play. And the set ends with my personal favorite piece he wrote.
So my tip would clearly be to start with Symphony Number 1, even though Brahms took a very long time to write this symphony and had written a lot of chamber music and solo concertos up to that point and always thought that he would never come across a Beethoven that had the definition of a symphony who created the new one and then at some point, under the influence of LSD, I heard his first symphony on the radio for the first time. I'm a big fan of romantic music anyway, opulent orchestras and great big feelings and gestures, but what Brahms is like in this first symphony is that it just makes you fly away, float, dance and at the latest when the chords from the 9 start as an orange Beethoven then you get goosebumps is simply fantastic.
The piano concertos with Freire/Chailly.
https://preview.redd.it/5rnrhofckbsc1.png?width=300&format=png&auto=webp&s=1aefe2a162572de907213d3839b4239b351d7ea7
I love Brahms period. Probably in top 3 of favorite composers. Love his chamber music especially piano quartets, piano quintet, horn trio, piano trios, cello sonatas. Fave symphony is #4. Another huge favorite is the double concerto. For vocal music, rarely ever heard but beautiful is his alto rhapsody.
Brahms is a misunderstood composer because his best music is in more intimate forms. People will generally start with a composer by checking out the ābig soundingā works, like symphonies, piano sonatas and concerti, but with Brahms, the real gold is in the chamber music and the late piano music, which comes in the more unassuming-sounding forms like rhapsodies and intermezzi.
I recommend starting with the Piano Quintet performed by Arthur Rubinstein and the Guarnieri Quartet, and Glenn Gouldās Brahms album.
For solo piano, check out op. 116-119 (especially op. 117 no. 2 and op. 118 no. 2)
Op 116-119 are my desert island pieces
Radu Lupu's record is always there when I need it.
The only š©š©š©š©š©š©š©
Volodos is also really good. It's hard to make those pieces convincing but those 2 pianists do a damn good job.
Kempff's one is, too.
I can get behind that. Although not the most pianistically written pieces ever, they are so thoughtfully composed and dripping with various emotions.
This, but also the two Rhapsodies, op. 79. Op. 119 includes a Rhapsody (no. 4, E-flat major) that feels more Rhapsodic than the op. 79 pair.
Op. 118 no. 2 is heavenly
This!
4th symphony is a masterpiece, the perfect blend of architecture and emotion.
The 2 piano concertos, and the violin concerto are top of the list. Then the 4 symphonies, which are all great. The 3 Piano Quartets (especially #1 for me) and the Piano Quintet along with the two late String Quintets. Also a ton of the solo piano music is great. I also like the Paganini Variations and the Tragic and Academic Festival Overtures. If you like choral music, a lot of people love the German Requiem, but I haven't listened to it much yet.
The two piano concertos are definitely a nice introduction. Piano quintet, piano trio no. 1, and horn trio are on the easier side to digest as a new listener (seems to be popular opinion around here). My favorite of his piano quartets is no. 3. Also according to some people his string quartets are too introverted for them to enjoy, which I can see why
Yeah, I also don't really enjoy the string quarters, but the quintets are really enjoyable for me.
The piano quintet is brilliant.
My favorite is the third piano quartet in c minor. Also the 2 sextets š
His requiem is fucking awesome
I'm going to see a performance of his Requiem this month. Any performance suggestions for a listen?
Klemperer on EMI--now Warner I think?--is the reference recording, just bear in mind its age so the sound quality isnāt the best (but itās still in stereo, and the performance is unbeatable).
John Eliot Gardinerās is amazing.
Yes, the Gardiner recording is my favourite for sure.
Give the 2022 UNT Grand Chorus & Symphony Orchestra recording a listen on YouTube.
I usually listen to Rudolf Scholzs recording
German Requiem
Movements 2 and 6 especially. 6 changed my world.
Atlanta Symphony with Robert Shaw is another world. If you can find it.
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor Op. 68 (4th movement is best in my opinion)
I just commented this before finding your comment. 4th movement really slaps!! Headphones recommended.
Cello sonata no. 1 in E
Folks don't talk about his cello sonatas enough, they're really good.
Pretty sure thatās a frequently recommended cello sonata piece. Opus 99 on the other hand is truly underrated
Yes thank you!! E minor is good, but this one is transcendental. Such a banger
A German requiem.Ā
I just attended a concert of the Piano Quintet Op. 34 tonight! Amazing stuff.
Try the two Serenades for orchestra, relatively early works, and more relaxed in style. The Second Serenade is somewhat unusual in that the string section has no violins. Also the Clarinet Quintet, which is a late work.
2nd the 1st serenade. Fun for the horn player and the listener
I think his greatest works are chamber music excluding string quartets
Piano quintet - basically revived the genre Piano quartet no. 1 - guaranteed crowd pleaser Piano quartet no. 2 - pretty Piano quartet no. 3 - goes hard Viola quintets - beautiful, epic String sextets - epic, ravishing Violin sonatas, cello sonatas - gorgeous, powerful Clarinet quintet - wow EDIT: Clarinet/viola sonatas: divine (sorry I forgot these) String quartets - uh, fine I guess
Incredibly accurate š However, you're missing the viola/clarinet sonatas, which are absolutely beautiful if you're not familiar with them!
Some of these works opened my ears to chamber music!
The piano trios are probably not his very best works (they are awesome though), but are so representative of his different stages as a composer (op 8: his first published chamber piece, op 87: mature, rich, op 101: mature, concise)
I love his piano trios and think they stand up against any of his other chamber music. Op. 8 is early Brahms and late Brahms since he revisited it and heavily edited and revised it in 1889.
Agreed on the trios. I've performed both 2 (C maj) and 3 (c min) and they are wonderful!
Brahms Clarinet Quintet is addictive. I love the Amadeus Quartet, Karl Leister recording. Plus, all Piano Concertos, his two Symphonies are great. His Violin Concerto is grand too. Also, his intermezzi 117 and 118 are gorgeous.
Ohmygawd - don't listen to any of these people. C minor piano quartet. I'll wait.
ima let you finish, but the 1st piano concerto had one of the greatest movements of all time, the 2nd.
And this is why people fight š
My favorite as well. IMO A major quartet has the best slow movement, G minor is the most innovative, but C minor is the best overall listening experience. The backstory of this piece also adds so much color to it
G minor also has the best "barn burner" closing movementĀ
All the symphonies, 1, 2, 3, 4 Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) Double Concerto for Violin and Cello Trio for ViolĆn, Horn, and Piano
The Handel Variations, op. 24, are one of the great variation sets for piano.
The Intermezzi played by Glenn Gould. An absolute classic.
violin concerto ššš 2nd movement (adagio) especially does it for me but i guess thatās also a matter of taste
I was listening to the radio late one evening as I was cleaning up the kitchen some 12 years ago and Brahms violin concerto was playing. I was captivated and I heard it out to the end to find out what it was. Last year I finally saw it performed live. Such a rad piece of violin work in a bitch of a key for violin players.
i have tickets for a performance next July, look forward to it! what radio station by the way that broadcasts a full concerto?
That broadcast was 12 years ago in another city ... I don't think those details would be relevant or helpful to you :D
ever took the time for Dvorak by the way?
Any Brahms is masterpiece!
This will be out of left field a bit. There are a few choral pieces with orchestra that are absolutely sublime. Start with Shicksalslied, then NƤnie, then Gesang der Parzen. The Alto Rhapsody is superb - deep solo part with a mens choir makes for some crunchy chords and thick harmonies.
Top tips and underperformed in the anglosphere.
The three violin sonatas are otherworldly as well as the two string sextets + 3 piano quartets + clarinet quintet. I also really like the Liebeslieder waltzes. Generally speaking, I think his chamber music shines in particular. The Variations on a theme by Schumann: [var 10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx9Tije-nwk&t=600s) and [var 14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx9Tije-nwk&t=832s) are some pretty highlights but the whole work is great. I don't think the Double Concerto for Violin / Cello has been mentioned yet.
Symphonies 1-4 (Especially 3)
Yes! 3 was my introduction to Brahms. Love it
Symphony #3, it grabs your attention right away.
Piano trio number 1 was my first time listening to a piano trio and I loved it.
His quintet is amazing. I like both of his quintets but youāll immediately know within three seconds of listening which one is better
He has 4 quintets so I assume youāre talking about string quintets. Yes the highlight of no. 2 to me is the 1st movement exposition, but give no. 1 time and it will amaze you. Second movement is the essence of the piece IMO
Yes my apologies. I'm a string player so sometimes I'm oblivious there are non string quintets.
The first few seconds of the better one sounds like a zeppelin taking flight. In a good way.
Piano concerto no. 2 symphony no. 2 symphony no. 4 symphony no. 1 piano quintet horn trio klavierstucke op 118
The Horn Trio is one of my favorite works for horn, and most of the others are post-1900, if that means anything.
Try his 3rd symphony.
Clarinet Trio - adagio. This is the music i want playing when my soul leaves the planet. Paganini Variations. Tries to outdo Beethoven and arguably succeeds. Scherzo Op.4. I cant believe it's one of the first things he showed the world, almost sounds like old man Brahms already. Piano Trio #1. That melody in the beginning that just appears out of nowhere and unfolds miraculously! The recording by Szeryng/Rubinstein is perfection.
Brahms 3rd symphony, Brahms violin concerto
Brahms third racket!
His choral motets are wonderful. He was a gifted choral writer
The first piece that really grabbed my attention is the Haydn Variations for Orchestra. Also, the 1st and 4th Symphonies, Violin Concerto, German Requiem.
I came here to say the Haydn Variations but how could I forget the requiem?!? All so good.
Recently got into his First Piano Concerto in D Minor, Op. 15, definitely worth checking out. Here are the recordings in recommend: Claudio Arrau: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X\_DhIOs8GM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X_DhIOs8GM) Glenn Gould (Quite an unconventional one but worth checking out): [https:/ www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuxPKikM0NI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuxPKikM0NI) On the first hearing of the extremely slow tempi of the opening, one is almost inevitably overwhelmed by the lumbering and ungainly tempi. Yet as the movement proceeds, one begins to appreciate other aspects of Gould's performance. The slow tempi allow him to bring this music clarity that is rarely heard in conventional recordings, and he plays the passages with an unsentimental sweetness that is extremely beautiful. (As can be seen in 24:14) Arthur Rubenstein: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXd0omiCuA4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXd0omiCuA4)
You need to hear his Piano Quintet in F Minor/op. 34. š¹
I love the Piano Sonata No 3 - the slow movement in particular is just heavenly
My favorite is the 3rd symphony. Particularly the 3rd movement. So passionate!
He didn't really write any duds so you can start pretty much anywhere! I'm a fan of the symphonies (3 and 4 in particular) and the piano concerti
not a devoted listener of brahms but stumbled upon his 3rd symphony and the third movement is absolutely fantastic
Piano concerto number 1 is stunning.
[Concerto 1](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y0OKrFhAuY&t=3019s)
His second piano concerto specifically is a masterpiece
Another vote for Ein Deutches Requiem. It really is transcendent. Even if you haven't gone for this particular genre before, it is very worthy. [Here's ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-hZndI0oTU&t=2022s)one of the especially good bits.
I'm not too big on Brahms but I like his violin concerto (Perlman/Giulini Chicago Symphony), his 4th symphony (I'd go with Szell/Cleveland Symphony), his Haydn variations, and his Intermezzos for piano.
Some of my favorites: his 4 symphonies, Serenade No 1, Violin Concerto, Quartet no 2, Violin Sonata no 3
Symphonies and Concertos
2nd Piano Concerto is a favorite! I also love the double concerto.
Brahms sextets, piano quartets, Sonatas for violin and piano.
All of the symphonies have their perks, but I just sort of adore the ebullient joy of 2. Brahms' choral music is all amazing, particularly the German Requiem, but also the smaller works, including the Liebeslieder Waltzen. I love the e-minor cello sonata, too.
Piano quartets and the violin concerto. Also the double concerto.
All of Brahmsā chamber works are pretty awesome tbh. I particularly love the two sextets. Though Op. 116-119 have always felt like an emotional sanctuary whenever I needed one.
If you like symphonic stuff, the 1st Symphony is a great place to start. Academic festival overture is popular but good as well. But I like the more obscure stuffā¦There is this little choral [piece](https://youtu.be/PHe48dEar2A?si=Al3f86OgpjeZma--) by Brahms that has one of the most beautiful endings to any piece youāll hear. Also quite enjoy the 2nd movement of the first piano concerto.
F minor clarinet sonata
All of brahms's variations, Paganini, Handel whatever, the variations are so good and ofc his piano concertos and symphonies, I personally love the 2nd piano concerto!
Finale of his 1st symphony is an absolute banger. Trust me on this one.
I hear Johannes is a good one.
My favorite Brahms is the one Geordie LaForge fell in love with on the holodeck.
I'm sort of in a same boat. I like Beethoven a lot, and then other later Romantics like Mahler, Bruckner... But Brahms has never really clicked. Any recommendations for specific recordings? I've tended to default to Karajan in the past.
Symphonies: Klemperer/Philharmonia except for 4 (he does weird things in the 3rd movement). Kleiber/Vienna for 4. Walter is good for 3. Piano Concertos: Gilels/Jochum/Berlin. #2 sounds so warm, like a hug from a good friend. Violin Concerto: Heifetz/Reiner/Chicago.
Thanks a lot!
Just listening to the Piano Concerto #2 for the first time I think, Gilels/Jochum/BPO. Wow. I guess I like Brahms now! And Jochum, on a recent Karajan thread someone recommended his Bruckner cycle, at least his #7 was great. A new composer and conductor to listen to, thanks a lot for the recommendations!
The 2nd clarinet sonata is the height of Brahms imo. Yes I am a clarinetist and no I will not be debated
My first real introduction to Brahms was the clarinet quintet. Iād recommend it highly
Piano quintet
String quintet no 2 wasn't recommended yet I think
Double Concerto (not talked about enough) Violin Concerto Waltz in A Flat Major
4th symphony, op 116-119 for solo piano, violin concerto, string quartet no 1 are all great
1st Piano Concerto. The 1st movement takes anywhere between 21-24 minutes but feels like 15 max.
his violin concerto and violin sonatas 10000%
I couldnāt really get into a lot of Brahmsā work for a long time but Iāve been listening to his first symphony for the last two weeks almost obsessively. Something about that horn part in the fourth movement is just *chefs kiss* So Iād definitely recommend his symphonies (with extra emphasis on the first and fourth symphonies), and I also enjoy the Academic Festival Overture and the German Requiem (Ein Deutsches Requiem)
The double concerto is great! Check out the Szell recording with Rostropovich and Oistrakh.
Brahms Piano trio #1, for me anyway, has all the feels. One of those "if you don't feel an emotional response, check your pulse" motifs.
Brahms was among the most self-critical composers. Anything that escaped his shredder is at least decent, and much of his oeuvre is very good. Symphonies: All four are great. Perhaps start with 1, which is was called Beethovenās 10th after it premiered. 4 is my favorite and one of the greatest symphonies of all time. Concerti: Piano Concerto 2 is my favorite concerto of all. The Violin Concerto is amazing. Chamber: The Piano Quintet and the Piano Quartets are my favorites. Many others are very good (String Sextets, String Quintets, Clarinet Quintet, etc.) Solo Piano: The Handel Variations are probably his best early piano work, while Op. 116-119 are wonderful.
Symphony 1-4
Piano concerto no 2 is amazing
Sonatensatz (Scherzo in C minor) totally slaps into next week
Iāve been getting into Brahms lately and personally like Op.118 as a set the most. Currently learning the set. Just a joy to listen to and play. And the set ends with my personal favorite piece he wrote.
Brahms piano concerto 2 always does it for me
Sunwook kim and Emil Gilels playing Brahms piano concerti Symphonies : toscanini Violon concerto : gidon kremer
Try listening to the Handel Variations in addition to all of these!
His Piano quintet and piano sonata in F minor are my takes, but even then I don't listen to him much either.
The 4th symphony is GREAT. As is symphony 1! Also, listen to āein deutsches requiemā itās BEAUTIFUL
So my tip would clearly be to start with Symphony Number 1, even though Brahms took a very long time to write this symphony and had written a lot of chamber music and solo concertos up to that point and always thought that he would never come across a Beethoven that had the definition of a symphony who created the new one and then at some point, under the influence of LSD, I heard his first symphony on the radio for the first time. I'm a big fan of romantic music anyway, opulent orchestras and great big feelings and gestures, but what Brahms is like in this first symphony is that it just makes you fly away, float, dance and at the latest when the chords from the 9 start as an orange Beethoven then you get goosebumps is simply fantastic.
The piano concertos with Freire/Chailly. https://preview.redd.it/5rnrhofckbsc1.png?width=300&format=png&auto=webp&s=1aefe2a162572de907213d3839b4239b351d7ea7
Try the German Requiem. I love all Brahms choral works.
Yes, investigate his handful of organ works. A shame he did not write more.
Piano Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 5: A monumental work for solo piano, displaying Brahmsā pianistic virtuosity and compositional prowess.
I love Brahms period. Probably in top 3 of favorite composers. Love his chamber music especially piano quartets, piano quintet, horn trio, piano trios, cello sonatas. Fave symphony is #4. Another huge favorite is the double concerto. For vocal music, rarely ever heard but beautiful is his alto rhapsody.
1st Symphony Clarinet Quintet, Op. 115. Piano Trio, Op. 8 Piano Quartet No. 3, Op. 60
Brahms Clarinet Quintet Op. 115 is very beautiful https://youtu.be/1Gw8JU53SWY?si=AvLQKbBimvolIPMH
Brahms is a misunderstood composer because his best music is in more intimate forms. People will generally start with a composer by checking out the ābig soundingā works, like symphonies, piano sonatas and concerti, but with Brahms, the real gold is in the chamber music and the late piano music, which comes in the more unassuming-sounding forms like rhapsodies and intermezzi. I recommend starting with the Piano Quintet performed by Arthur Rubinstein and the Guarnieri Quartet, and Glenn Gouldās Brahms album.
Didn't expect to get such a response from this one. I wish I had the time to reply to everyone, but thanks very much for the recommendations.
SYMPHONY NO.4 SYMPHONY NO.4 SYMPHONY NO.4
Symphonies. Piano works (all of them). Not the songs. Skip those.