Brahms Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38, for Double Bass and Piano

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was the son ofJohann Jakob Brahms, a double bassist at the Hamburg Stadtheater. His father was one of his first teachers on violin and ‘cello.

The First Sonata for Pianoforte and Violoncello Opus 38, composed during the years 1862-1865, is a work gener­ally dark in color. The first movement is typical of Brahms' style - contrasting expressive, lyrical sections with energetic, rhythmic phrases. The second movement is a graceful minuet and the finale a strict fugue.

One of the primary purposes of this Series is to provide music for double bassists by “major” composers of varying musical styles. The editor hopes you share his opinion - that this Sonata “belongs” to the double bass!