Brahms, Symphony No. 4 in E minor, op. 98

Question 1

What is a Passacaglia? How does this connect Brahms to earlier musical traditions?

Answer 1

Triple meter that consists of eight notes and a bass ostinato

Question 2

How does the movement relate to sonata form?

Answer 2

• Response to Beethoven’s “Eroica” last movement

- Three sections (third section Recapitulation)

Question 3

How does the theme “roam” throughout the voices/ instruments in:
a) The first section of the movement (variations I- IX)

Answer 3

Variation Theme: Theme upper voice
I: Theme in violin I 
II: Theme mainly in viola
III: Theme present in upper line of strings
IV, V, VIII: Theme ground bass

Question 4

How does the theme “roam” throughout the voices/ instruments in:
b) The middle section of the movement, specifically variations X, XI and XIII

Answer 4

Variation X: Antiphonal dialogue of sustained chords
XI: similar harmonies, more rhythmic variety
XII: Passacaglia theme, change 3/2 meter. Flute melody serene centrepiece
XIII: Passacaglia Theme, dialogue btw winds & strings
XIV, XV: Passacaglia Theme

Question 5

How is Brahms’ musical aesthetic and values different to those of Wagner and Liszt? What, if any, commonalities did these two camps share?

Answer 5

• 2 defining features: fate of sonata form, music interacting to the other arts
• Wagner & Liszt sharing similarities to Beethoven’s symphonies or himself (influence)