Classically Speaking

As an avid music lover, I can think of several composers, bands, songs, albums, compositions, that if asked, I would claim as my favorite in whatever category we would discuss. I love talking about music to be sure!

But in the course of my own casual listening, I always find pieces and composers that I seem to ‘forget’ about. Unfortunately, Johannes Brahms is one of those composers in my life. I always love his music when I hear it, but so often, I’m not listening to his compositions and time marches on.

The following is a great video of one of my favorite compositions attributed to Brahms. This video is a duet of Yehudi Menuhin, one of the greatest violin virtuosos of the 20th century, with pianist Adolph Baller, playing “Hungarian Dance No. 5.

Composer Johannes Brahms was born in Hamburg Germany May 7, 1833. The series of “Hungarian Dances” written by Brahms, 21 pieces in all, are among my favorite compositions ever, even though I often fail to mention them among my favorites.

Brahms completed the Hungarian Dances in 1869. Check out this site with Brahms' life in pictures, featuring great candid photos of Johannes Brahms himself.

 
Aran Jenkins is a recent graduate of WV State University.  He plays piano and guitar, writes for the Charleston Gazette, and is working on a novel.

Previous posts by Aran Jenkins:

“Blessed are they that mourn:
for they shall be comforted.”
 
      -Brahms Requiem (Matthew 5:4)

In times of sadness and loss, do you turn to music?  What music comforts you? Or do you look for music that distracts you?

Today on the radio, we featured music that I hope provides some comfort -- music of mourning, but also of hope (the list of music that was on the radio today can be found here). 

Some of the pieces are so powerful and so sad that they can be overwhelming, while also consoling and connecting us: The Unanswered Question by Charles Ives, Brahms’ Requiem (and those by Mozart, Fauré, and others), Barber’s Adagio for Strings…

There are many other pieces, perhaps including some music that is particularly special for you.  If you have music that is meaningful to you that you think might also comfort others, please share your thoughts in the comments.
  

Here's some music that I've been drawn to: