Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897) was a German composer, conductor and pianist of the romantic period. Born in Hamburg, Germany, he spent most of his life in Vienna. He shared a close friendship with Robert and Clara Schumann as well as the violinist Joseph Joachim, to whom he dedicated his violin concerto. Brahms is considered both a traditionalist and an innovator. His composition’s structure and composition techniques draw inspiration from those of the Classical period. However, his music features highly romantic motifs.
Brahms’ third violin sonata was composed between 1886 and 1888, just after his completion of his fourth symphony. The sonata is dedicated to Brahms' friend Hans von Bülow, a German conductor. It was premiered in Budapest in 1888 with Jenő Hubay as violinist and Brahms at the piano.
Thank you to my associate artist Aidan Boase for his help in recording this piece.
The Three Preludes is originally a collection of short solo piano pieces composed by George Gershwin. In 1942, Jascha Heifetz transcribed the original piano Three Preludes for violin and piano.
Thank you to my associated artist Stewart Kelly who performed with me at this year's 2023 AMEB graduation award ceremony.
Favoured by many, Rondo in G major was arranged by Fritz Kreisler for violinists from the Serenade for orchestra in D major, K.250 (248) by W.A. Mozart.
Popularly known as the Haffner Serenade, it was commissioned by Mozart's friend Sigmund Haffner, to be used in the festivities before the wedding of his sister Marie Elizabeth Haffner to Franz Xaver.
The Serenade comprised of eight movements and was first played in July 1776, on the eve of the wedding.