Eight Waltzes from Op 39

Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897)

These eight waltzes are taken from a set of sixteen which Brahms wrote in 1865.  They feature the styles of the German Ländler and the Viennese waltz which were so popular at that time.

The vivacious Viennese waltz in B major which opens the set contrasts beautifully with the tranquil E major which follows and leads into the rich harmonic shading of No 5.  Sparkling octaves in the treble mark the start of No 6 and are complemented in the secondo part by a quaver configuration.

No 9, with its simplicity and subtle harmonies, creates a brief moment of sadness which is dispelled by the lively G major waltz with its contrasting legato and  staccato passages.  The B minor's delicate ornamentation and graceful lilting quality leads us gently into the hauntingly beautiful waltz in A flat major.

The Waltzes were originally written for piano duet and subsequently arranged for solo piano by the composer.