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Chapter 37
Johannes Brahms
Symphony no. 4 in E Minor, op. 98, finale
Chapter at a Glance
Listen to This First
Performance: The Conductor
Form: Theme and Variations Plus
Timbre: The Drama of Orchestration
Connect Your Playlist: Same Theme, Different Timbres
Chapter Objectives
After reading this chapter and listening to the work, students should be able to:
37.3 Describe the nature of the theme on which the 30 variations of this movement
are based.
37.4 Listen for the transformations of the theme in each variation.
Key Concepts
theme and variations and ABA form, orchestral timbre
Chapter Highlight: Blending Old and New
This finale of this symphony incorporates an old form theme and variations into a
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Chapter Summary
Brahms wrote four symphonies, and all of them remain popular with orchestras today.
The final symphony, in E minor, combines aspects of the past with the most up-to-date
techniques because Brahms used a variation form that was popular in the Baroque Era
and used it with modern harmonies, textures, and timbres. The manner in which
Brahms combines the familiar (the repeated pattern of the variation) with dense and
ever-changing textures and harmonies makes this a most satisfying piece to hear.
Listening Guide
The Listening Guide appropriately divides the Form column into two parts: tracing the
theme through each of the variations and demonstrating the large-scale ABA structure.
MyMusicLab Resources
Automated Listening Guide: Johannes Brahms: Symphony no. 4 in E Minor,
op. 98, finale
Chapter Audio: Chapter 37
Discussion Topics and Critical Thinking Questions
17)?
2. How is it possible for a composition built on theme and variations also to be an
example of ternary form?
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3.
Activities and Exercises
1. Review one of the Animated Graphical Scores (e.g., Chapter 26). Try to create
something similar with this movement by Brahms, making sure the theme is
always highlighted.
2. Investigate how the Schumanns helped a young Brahms get his start as a composer,
Journaling Prompt