Sinfonia in B

Sinfonia in B is Joseph Swensen’s orchestration of the little-known original version of Brahms’ B major piano trio. In Swensen’s own words: “Completed in 1854, it is the largest and arguably the most important of Brahms’ published early works, yet it remains nearly unknown to most musicians and music-lovers alike … The original Opus 8 is, for me, intriguing for many reasons. Not only is it a work of extraordinary quality and emotional depth, written by a composer just 21 years of age, but it is a quintessential example of Brahms’ ultra-romantic and forward looking early style.”

This album also explores the young Brahms’ connection with Robert and Clara Schumann, with orchestrations and performances (as a violin soloist) by Swensen of miniature works by both composers – as well as extracts from the ‘F-A-E’ sonata (a joint composition by Brahms, Robert Schumann and Joseph Joachim based on the motto ‘Frei aber einsam’ / ‘free but lonely’ – Joachim’s personal motto). 

 

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1
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Sinfonia in B:
i. Allegro con moto
 
20:48
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2
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Sinfonia in B:
ii. Scherzo: Allegro molto
 
07:09
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3
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Sinfonia in B:
iii. Adagio non troppo
 
09:03
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4
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Sinfonia in B:
iv. Finale: Allegro molto agitato
 
10:44
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5
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3 Romances Op.22:
i. Andante molto
 
02:52
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6
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3 Romances Op.22:
ii. Allegretto - mit zartem Vortage
 
02:41
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7
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3 Romances Op.22:
iii. Leidenschaftlich schnell
 
03:57
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8
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Intermezzo from F-A-E Sonata
 
02:18
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9
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Scherzo from F-A-E Sonata
 
05:55