Piano Trio in A Minor op. 114, clarinet (or viola) with cello and piano (urtext); Johannes Brahms (G. Henle Verlag)

Piano Trio in A minor, Op.114 for clarinet, cello, and piano by Johannes Brahms

Includes alternate viola part. Includes parts and piano score. Urtext edition by Katharina Loose-Einfalt. Published by Henle

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was a significant German composer whose music is often considered to represent the apex of 19th century romanticism. He aligned himself with baroque and classical traditions with his structural coherence and contrapuntal mastery, yet he was also considered a progressive in his freer treatment of dissonance, rhythm, and motivic development. His music is known for its meticulous, intelligent craft, as well as its uniquely introspective and tender emotional core.

By 1890, Brahms was ready to hang up his hat and retire from composition—but the following year he was artistically rejuvenated by the acquaintance of clarinetist Richard Muhlfeld, for whom he wrote four chamber works. The first of these is the three-movement Piano Trio in A minor, Op.114 (1891) for clarinet, cello, and piano. Though in it he fully realized the lyrical and technical capabilities of the clarinet, it is not simply a showcase for the instrument, providing uniquely sublime and intimate interplay with the cello. The music is characteristic of his late style, with complexity of form, rhythm, and harmony as well as disarming expressive subtlety. Its first publication included an alternate viola part (for the clarinet part) to expand playing opportunities; as such, it is included here as well. This premium Henle urtext edition contains critical and historical commentary. Includes parts and score. Advanced level, Grade 5.