Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) - Piano Sonata No. 2 in F-sharp minor, Op. 2 (1852)

I. Allegro non troppo ma energico 0:00
II. Andante con espressione 7:00
III. Scherzo: Allegro - Poco più moderato 12:31
IV. Finale: Sostenuto - Allegro non troppo e rubato - Molto sostenuto 16:52

Composed at the age of 19, this sonata was actually the first piano sonata Brahms composed. However, after a discussion with Robert Schumann, he decided to publish this as No. 2 as he thinks that the Piano Sonata No. 1 in C major is a better composition. It is the least popular out of the 3 piano sonatas as of today. The 4-note theme in the 2nd and 3rd movements is believed to have come from the German Minnesang "Mir ist leide" or in English, "I am suffering".

I perform this as part of the Brahms Concert Series 2020-2021 at Tuplane House, Bangkok. This took place after the COVID-19 pandemic so hygiene regulation was provided and seats are limited to 30.

Pianist: Gun Chaikittiwatana
Date: 01.08.2020
Location: Tuplane House, Bangkok, Thailand