I've been along for this ride for years now, and I keep being amazed by your depth of analysis (even in a kind of "greatest hits"-cavalcade through a movement like this) informed, at all times, by a very distinct sensibility and warmth of heart that I find very endearing, and familiar. The analytic Atkinson is always also a phenomenologist in applying the mind music as this demands of you. I don't know, man. Just thank you. It's like sharing a spark of a wonder of the world with a kindred spirit for a short while whenever one of these videos go up. Like the mind(s) and the music fit together in togetherness in this little, 20-minute long crease in the wrinkles of the world, feeling just right, belonging, peaceful, and happy while it lasts.
i could feel my teeth clenching during during that section that introduces the pink motif - that is some incredibly scary rhythmic stuff going on. major props to the solo oboe and clarinet players for not getting thrown off during such an exposed part. also, brahms's string writing is so great. he manages to get such a rich and heartfelt sound, and one thing i admire is that he liked to make his string parts genuinely fun to play, even during the most banal of accompaniment passages!
I dont know if someone added this but the lightgreen theme incorporates the tail of the darkblue theme making them heavily related. I would personally separate the lightgreen theme into a combination of new material and darkblue material. I love your content, more of this is needed.
That was another incredible analysis. This just makes the case to convince me even further that the First Symphony is the best of the four Brahms symphonies. I hear the seedlings of the third movement during the B section of this movement. I look forward to the First Symphony, third movement, analysis because it is my favorite movement out of the entire symphonic catalogue. My applause to you, sir.
I've recently found out something related to what you posted here early: the cadence Brahms used in this movement many times 12:58 (IVm add6-I in a major key) is the negative harmony of V7-I in a minor key. Surprising that Brahms unintertionally performed (or even created?) this.
Wrapping up the night with this video and am even more taken away by this music than before. Truly there is something great about Brahms when you can hear just a couple of the parts and be in bliss; the whole orchestra, reciting several of these lines at the same time and enfolding them into one voice is almost too much to name. Best wishes
I try to follow your older videos, can learn so much from it: 20:48 this is very Wagner, isn't it? I guess the end of Tristan. Have to check it tomorrow.
I was waiting very patiently for this and you clearly did not disappoint! This video is particular has really opened my eyes about how great this movement is, which I didn't really see before, even so I have listened to the symphony so many times. The use of motifs that you explain and analyze just astounds me, I cant even put it into words. Can't wait til movement 3!
What a great way to start the day! I love the low strings in this movement especially, and that transition back to the A section is indeed absolutely gorgeous!
Accurately put, Victor. We are all waiting in suspense for Richard's 4th symphony analysis. I'd also really love to hear Richard's evaluation of 1st piano concerto (final movement)
This is a piece that I had never fully appreciated until I watched your video. The way you break it down really helps me understand the movement more. Thanks for all your great videos! Also, are you familiar with Joachim Raff's music? I think he is a very underrated composer. I'm curious to hear what you think about his music.
Another fantastic video, thank you! Although slightly unrelated, would you ever consider perhaps doing some sort of analysis or any similar video on Mahler's 10th symphony, I think that would be great!
Woah is the 'pink' Oboe theme quoted by Mahler in his 9th symphony? The introduction to the passage with the Flute/Horn/Basses counterpoint in the recapitulation of the first movement? Thanks for another great video!
Superb - as per your usual! And as per my usual, I'd love more emphasis on Brahms's dissonances' contribution to the piece's emotional power. For example, what in the world is this movement in *E* (!) major doing in a *Cm* symphony? And: the melodic arrivals on the tonic while V(-like) chords clash underneath. The melodic shape and shifting pitch range of this particular movement seems to call for a larger scale view, in addition to your primarily thematic analysis, of what's driving its emotional power. Ditto for B's rhythmic variations. But don't get me wrong... your analyses beat your RUclips competitors by long shot, so I ain't complaining, just wanting more.
One of my favorite parts that I didn't mention happens in m. 100 (18:13 in this video) in the flute, where the leading tone doesn't resolve until it starts doing the off-beat triplets, but this is after the horn has already played the tonic. Is this the kind of thing you're talking about?
But also, Brahms's key choice for this slow movement was pretty commonplace by the late 19th century. Even by the late 18th century, Haydn had already composed 5 of his late quartets with slow movements in keys a chromatic mediant away from the key of the composition (as is the case for this Brahms movement). Op. 74 No. 3 = g minor to E major; Op. 76 No. 5 = D major to F sharp major; Op. 76 No. 6 = E flat major to B major; Op. 77 No. 1 = G major to E flat major; and Op. 77 No. 2 = F major to D major.
Good evening, dear Richard Atkinson! Thank you very much for this meticulous work accessible to understand, that you're doing! I'm certainly going to watch this video as I did with your previous detail analyses of excellent quality. It would be interesting for me to know your opinion about the different interpretations of Brahms's symphonies. Which do you consider the closest to etalonic? Unfortunately, I'm not very familiar with Brahms's creation (well, thank you for getting me more acquainted with his masterpieces!), but what do you think about Mravinskiy's interpreatation of Brahms's symphonies? I'm very interested in knowing your opinion. Thank you again! Sincerely yours, Ivan P
Thoroughly enjoyed! This movement feel very comforting at the moment. By the way, there's a little mistake in the vid description, where you refer to the opening movement rather than the second movement.
actually, the opening reminds me much more of LVB's 4th piano concerto, 1st movement, a 6-note stretch that is almost identical. just before the return of the opening theme. Ever notice that the famous theme from Schubert 8 ("This is a symphony/ that Schubert wrote but never finished") follows the first eight notes of the trio in Beethoven's 5th? There are only so many ways to write a sequence of notes, so there are bound to be coincidences. Another thing that is almost certainly not a coincidence is that the opening theme of the Grosse Fuge exactly reproduces the harmonic outline of the G-major section near the beginning of his 1st symphony, in the same key, stripped down so much that until you figure out the harmonic structure it's hard to make sense of it.
Now that you mention it, the opening is also present in the second movement of Beethoven concerto no. 2. Perhaps the chords are a bit different, but the melody is the same!
Hello Mr.Atkinson, I was wondering if it at the end of your analysis, you could play the whole movement of the music uninterrupted with the color coded score? Thank you.
I often feel in listening to this symphony that Brahms was trying too hard to provide sufficient musical depth to act as a worthy successor to Beethoven. Only when he got this out of the way was he able then to produce the other symphonies which seem to flow much smoother, while still complex. It just seems to lack any real feeling. But an excellent analysis as always.
@@Ivan_1791 If you are near Valencia just consult the Palau de la Musica website for "regular" repertoire and Palau de les Arts for Opera or other genres (zarzuela, recitals...) In general, there's this very useful website called bachtrach, where you can find concerts in many cities around the world.
@@Ivan_1791 Yeah, that's quite the downer. I live in vlc and I can barely get home after a concert before the curfew kicks in. Do you live in the city or outside?
Nothing is currently on my list, but I will think about it! I love the piano trios. Someone wanted me to do the Organ Symphony as well in a prior comment.
Awesome video! I’m still hoping you will take a deep dive into something way out of the standard repertoire like the Tovey piano quartet or the Biarent d minor symphony (or the Magnard 4th, d’Indy 2nd, Taneyev 4th, Parry 5th, or Rangstrom 3rd symphony.)
For whatever reason when I hear that opening, I think of Beethoven's Elegischer Gesang, but that may just be cause you mentioned it sounds Beethoven-esque... Regardless, phenomenal video as always!
Can you do a video on Wagner's Tristan und Isolde prelude, including examples from Mozart and Liszt (Die Lorelei)? Mozart String Quartet No. 16, K. 428: II. Andante ruclips.net/video/bkNWCx-2AbU/видео.html Piano Sonata No. 15 in F Major, K. 533: II. Andante ruclips.net/video/fRu5f7BzdR4/видео.html ( 5:05 ~ 5:35 ) Tristan und Isolde prelude ruclips.net/video/-QX7dgBqfgw/видео.html ( 7:00 ~ 7:30 ) Rondo in A minor K511 ruclips.net/video/I0CzPGo9ZFg/видео.html
Never clicked so furiously on a video.
YES
I've been along for this ride for years now, and I keep being amazed by your depth of analysis (even in a kind of "greatest hits"-cavalcade through a movement like this) informed, at all times, by a very distinct sensibility and warmth of heart that I find very endearing, and familiar. The analytic Atkinson is always also a phenomenologist in applying the mind music as this demands of you.
I don't know, man. Just thank you. It's like sharing a spark of a wonder of the world with a kindred spirit for a short while whenever one of these videos go up. Like the mind(s) and the music fit together in togetherness in this little, 20-minute long crease in the wrinkles of the world, feeling just right, belonging, peaceful, and happy while it lasts.
Wonderfully said. I have nothing to add - except: Thank you so very much!
i could feel my teeth clenching during during that section that introduces the pink motif - that is some incredibly scary rhythmic stuff going on. major props to the solo oboe and clarinet players for not getting thrown off during such an exposed part.
also, brahms's string writing is so great. he manages to get such a rich and heartfelt sound, and one thing i admire is that he liked to make his string parts genuinely fun to play, even during the most banal of accompaniment passages!
Brahms' 1st Symphony was my introduction to classical music as a kid. Completely blown away by your analysis of this very special piece.
I dont know if someone added this but the lightgreen theme incorporates the tail of the darkblue theme making them heavily related. I would personally separate the lightgreen theme into a combination of new material and darkblue material. I love your content, more of this is needed.
To me, the opening notes sounded remarkably similar to the opening of Beethovens Pastorale symphony
That too! Although the bass line is not the same.
“Favorite moments in slow movement of Brahms 1st symphony”
*plays entire piece :)
0:50 also reminds me of Beethoven's 6th symphony
That was another incredible analysis. This just makes the case to convince me even further that the First Symphony is the best of the four Brahms symphonies. I hear the seedlings of the third movement during the B section of this movement. I look forward to the First Symphony, third movement, analysis because it is my favorite movement out of the entire symphonic catalogue. My applause to you, sir.
Bro that third movement is so good
I've recently found out something related to what you posted here early: the cadence Brahms used in this movement many times 12:58 (IVm add6-I in a major key) is the negative harmony of V7-I in a minor key. Surprising that Brahms unintertionally performed (or even created?) this.
Absolutely overwhelmed! I have heard this at least 50 times before and now the 1st time with opened ears. THANK YOU!
My favourite composer!
Wrapping up the night with this video and am even more taken away by this music than before. Truly there is something great about Brahms when you can hear just a couple of the parts and be in bliss; the whole orchestra, reciting several of these lines at the same time and enfolding them into one voice is almost too much to name. Best wishes
Truly wonderful music.
😊 21:28
The slickly winding lines fascinate me. Thank you for sharing
I hear some Mahler 3:58-4:44
I try to follow your older videos, can learn so much from it: 20:48 this is very Wagner, isn't it? I guess the end of Tristan. Have to check it tomorrow.
I was waiting very patiently for this and you clearly did not disappoint! This video is particular has really opened my eyes about how great this movement is, which I didn't really see before, even so I have listened to the symphony so many times. The use of motifs that you explain and analyze just astounds me, I cant even put it into words. Can't wait til movement 3!
What a great way to start the day! I love the low strings in this movement especially, and that transition back to the A section is indeed absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you for letting me appreciate this beautiful music even more!
Wonderful video! I never noticed how the chromatic motive in the first movement is so strongly present in the second
Thank you for another enriching analysis.
Poise and direction.. oceanic .. Thanks !!
Once again .... mind blown! I had never heard those disguised themes from mvt 1.
the violin solo is so beautiful
A sublime movement. Amazing work as always!
Such noble work you have done here...
Thank you!
Accurately put, Victor. We are all waiting in suspense for Richard's 4th symphony analysis. I'd also really love to hear Richard's evaluation of 1st piano concerto (final movement)
I've been so excited for this. Thanks a lot!
Fragments from this movement are quoted by none other than Charles Ives in his amazing 2nd Symphony.
Made my day
Excellent analysis! thanks!
As always, great film!
This is a piece that I had never fully appreciated until I watched your video. The way you break it down really helps me understand the movement more. Thanks for all your great videos!
Also, are you familiar with Joachim Raff's music? I think he is a very underrated composer. I'm curious to hear what you think about his music.
Siempre descubro nuevas cosas con estos vídeos, gracias!!
Another fantastic video, thank you! Although slightly unrelated, would you ever consider perhaps doing some sort of analysis or any similar video on Mahler's 10th symphony, I think that would be great!
Woah is the 'pink' Oboe theme quoted by Mahler in his 9th symphony? The introduction to the passage with the Flute/Horn/Basses counterpoint in the recapitulation of the first movement? Thanks for another great video!
Superb - as per your usual!
And as per my usual, I'd love more emphasis on Brahms's dissonances' contribution to the piece's emotional power. For example, what in the world is this movement in *E* (!) major doing in a *Cm* symphony? And: the melodic arrivals on the tonic while V(-like) chords clash underneath.
The melodic shape and shifting pitch range of this particular movement seems to call for a larger scale view, in addition to your primarily thematic analysis, of what's driving its emotional power.
Ditto for B's rhythmic variations.
But don't get me wrong... your analyses beat your RUclips competitors by long shot, so I ain't complaining, just wanting more.
One of my favorite parts that I didn't mention happens in m. 100 (18:13 in this video) in the flute, where the leading tone doesn't resolve until it starts doing the off-beat triplets, but this is after the horn has already played the tonic. Is this the kind of thing you're talking about?
I must be missing something but I neither see nor hear a flute at 8:13.
@@rabbibarrykornblau9877 Typo! I meant 18:30
But also, Brahms's key choice for this slow movement was pretty commonplace by the late 19th century. Even by the late 18th century, Haydn had already composed 5 of his late quartets with slow movements in keys a chromatic mediant away from the key of the composition (as is the case for this Brahms movement). Op. 74 No. 3 = g minor to E major; Op. 76 No. 5 = D major to F sharp major; Op. 76 No. 6 = E flat major to B major; Op. 77 No. 1 = G major to E flat major; and Op. 77 No. 2 = F major to D major.
@@Richard.Atkinson And the keys of the four movements of #1 are a cycle of rising major thirds.
Good evening, dear Richard Atkinson!
Thank you very much for this meticulous work accessible to understand, that you're doing! I'm certainly going to watch this video as I did with your previous detail analyses of excellent quality.
It would be interesting for me to know your opinion about the different interpretations of Brahms's symphonies. Which do you consider the closest to etalonic? Unfortunately, I'm not very familiar with Brahms's creation (well, thank you for getting me more acquainted with his masterpieces!), but what do you think about Mravinskiy's interpreatation of Brahms's symphonies? I'm very interested in knowing your opinion.
Thank you again!
Sincerely yours,
Ivan P
Thoroughly enjoyed! This movement feel very comforting at the moment. By the way, there's a little mistake in the vid description, where you refer to the opening movement rather than the second movement.
Thanks for alerting me! I cut and pasted from the last video but then forgot to make the changes!
What do you mean when you say inversion?
actually, the opening reminds me much more of LVB's 4th piano concerto, 1st movement, a 6-note stretch that is almost identical. just before the return of the opening theme. Ever notice that the famous theme from Schubert 8 ("This is a symphony/ that Schubert wrote but never finished") follows the first eight notes of the trio in Beethoven's 5th? There are only so many ways to write a sequence of notes, so there are bound to be coincidences. Another thing that is almost certainly not a coincidence is that the opening theme of the Grosse Fuge exactly reproduces the harmonic outline of the G-major section near the beginning of his 1st symphony, in the same key, stripped down so much that until you figure out the harmonic structure it's hard to make sense of it.
Now that you mention it, the opening is also present in the second movement of Beethoven concerto no. 2. Perhaps the chords are a bit different, but the melody is the same!
Brahms managed to write an entire movement without a single musical theme, just "motivs".
Damn, I was talking about first movement!
Hello Mr.Atkinson, I was wondering if it at the end of your analysis, you could play the whole movement of the music uninterrupted with the color coded score? Thank you.
+1 Seconds!
Yay! 😊
I often feel in listening to this symphony that Brahms was trying too hard to provide sufficient musical depth to act as a worthy successor to Beethoven. Only when he got this out of the way was he able then to produce the other symphonies which seem to flow much smoother, while still complex. It just seems to lack any real feeling. But an excellent analysis as always.
They're playing Brahm's 1st in a concert tomorrow in Valencia. Obviously I'm attending it.
Dude, I live so close but I had no idea...
@@Ivan_1791 If you are near Valencia just consult the Palau de la Musica website for "regular" repertoire and Palau de les Arts for Opera or other genres (zarzuela, recitals...)
In general, there's this very useful website called bachtrach, where you can find concerts in many cities around the world.
@@luisbreva6122 Sounds good, although with all this Covid-19 thing I am not sure if I would be allowed to travel to Valencia for a concert.
@@Ivan_1791 Yeah, that's quite the downer. I live in vlc and I can barely get home after a concert before the curfew kicks in. Do you live in the city or outside?
@@luisbreva6122 I live close to Gandía.
Will you make an analysis of any of Brahms' late piano works or his piano quintet in F minor for example?
The 3rd and 4th movements of the Piano Quintet are definitely on my list already!
@@Richard.Atkinson Glad to hear so, I really like the 4th movement.
Richard surely the opening of this movement resembles the opening of the pastoral symphony
Yes it does!
The first theme in E major bears huge resemblance to Mozart String quartet No.21 (second movement) too, melodically and rhythmically! ❤
4:10. Brings to mind Wagner's Prelude to Tristan und Isolde, beginning with measure 3.
ruclips.net/video/-QX7dgBqfgw/видео.html
Rick, what do you think of Moszkowski's work? I would love to see a video about it.
Maybe piano concerto in E op.59?
@@franciszek2894 i see you're a man of culture
It could sound weird but i didnt see anything from saint-saens from you😅 hope you are planning something🥺❤️
Nothing is currently on my list, but I will think about it! I love the piano trios. Someone wanted me to do the Organ Symphony as well in a prior comment.
Awesome video! I’m still hoping you will take a deep dive into something way out of the standard repertoire like the Tovey piano quartet or the Biarent d minor symphony (or the Magnard 4th, d’Indy 2nd, Taneyev 4th, Parry 5th, or Rangstrom 3rd symphony.)
For whatever reason when I hear that opening, I think of Beethoven's Elegischer Gesang, but that may just be cause you mentioned it sounds Beethoven-esque... Regardless, phenomenal video as always!
That's a great piece as well, so I guess they have greatness in common?
@@Richard.Atkinson Couldn’t agree more
The beginning theme sounds like the second movement of Beethoven 2
I wonder why Brahms omits the clarinets in the final chord.
Epic
also I like the allusions to the other great works...
I'm mad at you for not including the FIRST MVT EXPOSITION REPEAT.
👏
To me, the opening sounds like the opening of the second movement of Mozart's clarinet concerto. But that's probably a coincidence.
Can you do a video on Wagner's Tristan und Isolde prelude, including examples from Mozart and Liszt (Die Lorelei)?
Mozart String Quartet No. 16, K. 428: II. Andante ruclips.net/video/bkNWCx-2AbU/видео.html
Piano Sonata No. 15 in F Major, K. 533: II. Andante ruclips.net/video/fRu5f7BzdR4/видео.html ( 5:05 ~ 5:35 )
Tristan und Isolde prelude ruclips.net/video/-QX7dgBqfgw/видео.html ( 7:00 ~ 7:30 )
Rondo in A minor K511 ruclips.net/video/I0CzPGo9ZFg/видео.html
interesante
subtitles please, at least in the original language
Just click "CC" for closed captioning.
@@Richard.Atkinson youtube tells me that they are generated automatically, in a technical language like harmony, sometimes "he hears" what he wants
@@eldesarreglador That's true. Since they are about 95% accurate, I stopped correcting the auto-generated subtitles since it was a lot of work.
@@Richard.Atkinson Thanks, you do a great work
:D
Hello