Sonata No. 2 in F, Op. 99, for cello and piano (urtext); Brahms (Henle)

Sonata No. 2 in F Major, Op.99 for cello and piano by Johannes Brahms

Urtext edition by Egon Voss and Johannes Behr. Markings by Claus Kanngiesser. 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.

Brahms's Cello Sonata No. 2 in F Major, Op.99 (1886) is a more traditionally romantic sonata than its quirky predecessor, cast in four contrasting movements encompassing a range of emotional expression, from a stormy and passionate opening movement and an autumnal and mourning slow movement (one of Brahms's best), to a downright demonic scherzo and a witty and playful finale. It is also a great deal more challenging than the first, vaulting the cellist into high registers and advanced pizzicato passages, among other technical hurdles. This premium Henle urtext edition is based on the New Brahms Complete Edition, and contains historical and critical commentary, as well as marked and unmarked parts. Master level, Grade 6.