[AZamericonnie]

Aloha Bigs! This is the first time in all these years I’ve seen you change your tagline! Well done! *Hugs*

[Publius]

Johannes Brahms at age 53 found himself a new resort town in 1886, the little town of Hofstetten in Switzerland. That summer he turned out as fine a group of chamber music pieces as he had ever composed.

The early cello sonata from decades before was a problematic piece that never became all that popular. The new sonata he wrote in Switzerland has become one of the staples of the repertory, and every cellist worth his salt works to master it. It’s a lot more fun that its predecessor.

The first movement starts off with Brahms grabbing the listener by the scruff of the neck with a theme that simply soars. The second theme at 1:02 is beautiful. This recording observes the repeat of the exposition, and it’s welcome. Development starts at 3:53, and it’s quite dark. The light returns at 6:00 with the recapitulation, and the coda is breathtaking.

Brahms: Cello Sonata in F Major, Op. 99, first movement

The slow movement is in the remote key of F# Major with a walking bass line played first on the cello and then on the piano. This is a beautiful, heartfelt movement.

second movement

The third movement is a scherzo in F minor that is one of Brahms’ very best. The middle (trio) section is exceptional, with the piano dancing around the cello line.

third movement

All is satisfaction at the finale, returning to the key of F in rondo format.

fourth movement

[BIGLOOK]

After yesterday morning, had to find something to occupy my mind (read....keep my temper). I might change it again once I figure out who I really want to Keelhaul.

Thanks for the Tunes, Connie. Always make the weekend go a little smoother. Got one for HiJinx if he ever gets here.

[BIGLOOK]

Before I forget again, ((HUGS)). (Keep it on the QT lest my medical insurance tax goes up.)