JAVS Fall 2008

Symphony No. 4

Johannes Brahms

~ Movement IV ~

Priorities:

1.) Musical shape 2.) Intonation 3.) Proper articulation

Suggested tempo: quarter note = 108 (flexible)

Bars

Comments

a.) This passage must be shaped dramatically, with flexible rhythm. Follow the edited shaping in the part. b.) Play with a full, sustained and lyrical sound, with great energy and passion. c.) In bars 42 and 44, delay the diminuendo until after the second beat. d.) Play the last eighth note in bars 42, 45, and 46 long so the phrase doesn’t come to a stop during the eighth rests. e.) The quarter notes on beats one and two in bar 56 should be played long, with a slight space.

41-56

57-61

a.) Play this passage in the lower half of the bow. b.) Bars 57-63 should be played absolutely square (held and deliberate). c.) Articulate well in the left hand.

62-63

a.) Make a very slight space between the double-dotted quarter notes and sixteenth notes and between the dotted eighth notes and sixteenth notes in these bars. b.) Play in the lower half of the bow.

64

Play this measure legato.

66-68

a.) Play these bars in the lower half of the bow. b.) The sixteenth notes should be played on the string.

Play these bars quietly, with sustained sound.

69-72

73-76

a.) Play in the lower half of the bow, on the string. b.) Make a very slight space after each eighth note in bars 74, 75 and 76.

J OURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VIOLA SOCIETY 60