Piano Quartet no. 1 in G Minor, op. 25
IV. Rondo alla Zingarese: Presto
Composer J. Brahms (1833-1897）
Performers
Chun-Ying Lee / VI
Shih-Hsun Pan / VIa
Yu-Han Chen / VIc
Hsing-Chwen Giselle Hsin / Pn
The chamber music compositions by the German composer Brahms constitute a crucial segment of his vast oeuvre. He maintained the rigorous compositional traditions set by Bach and Beethoven, while also finding inspiration in Schumann, turning chamber music into a grandiose genre. His writing style flourished in this format, making it a cherished selection for both performers and fans of chamber music.
Brahms was not only passionate about composing but also recognized as an exceptional pianist. His remarkable piano-playing capability was evident from a young age. In 1850, after meeting the Hungarian violinist Ede Reményi, Brahms joined him on tour in the subsequent years. During this collaboration, Brahms was introduced to the Gypsy music style, which also laid the groundwork for his Hungarian Dances. This work was completed in 1861, and its premiere featured Clara Schumann as the pianist. The following year, Brahms himself took to the piano part for another performance.
The Gypsy-style Rondo performed in this concert is from the final movement of his Piano Quartet No. 1. At the movement's outset, all instruments deliver a lively Hungarian dance melody characterized by a strong rhythm, with the A section supported by a drum-like accompaniment. This leads into a section of ascending sixteenth notes, where the melody boldly progresses. In contrast to the prior G minor atmosphere, the B section introduces different harmonic transitions in the relative major key of B flat major. Here, the piano plays a light and rapid sixteenth-note melody, while the strings provide a pizzicato and staccato accompaniment. As the music transitions into the C section in the parallel key of G major, the four musicians present a jubilant theme reminiscent of a symphony orchestra, and the movement begins to depart from the original presto tempo.
Section D employs the E minor string ensemble to convey the music's tenderness, evoking a sense of the world's sorrow and reminiscent of gypsy violin melodies played in taverns. The fourth movement follows the aforementioned four sections, resembling the traditional rondo form, as it repeatedly returns to the A melody. However, what sets this apart is Brahms' inclusion of a cadenza, akin to an improvisational segment, which introduces tension and suspense into the piece. He also integrates slower themes to contrast with the previously bold and dynamic Presto. Just before transitioning into the extremely fast tempo (Molto Presto) at the end of the piece, there is a moment of tranquility, leading into a breathtaking passage played at high speed, culminating in the peak of the melody and concluding the entire composition.