Johannes Brahms composed his third symphony in the space of only four months, which is especially noteworthy because it had been six years since the completion of his second symphony. The symphony in F major is the shortest of Brahms’ four symphonies. It has a remarkably unified and compact structure, with thematic material reappearing across multiple movements, and a sophisticated key structure. Brahms’ longtime friend and musical confidant Clara Schumann observed this cohesiveness, saying:
All the movements seem to be of one piece, one beat of the heart, each one a jewel! From start to finish one is wrapped about with the mysterious charm of the woods and forests. I could not tell you which movement I loved most.
Clara Schumann heard the woods and the forests, but the river should also be mentioned. The first theme, which returns at the end of both the first and last movements, is a quote from Robert Schumann’s Rhenish Symphony, and Brahms composed the work while staying in the town of Weisbaden, on the Rhine. In addition to the passionate turbulence so common in Brahms’ works, there is a gentle intimacy to this symphony, whose four movements all end softly.
I listened to Herbert Blomstedt conduct this work today. He is in his 90’s now and still going strong.
Here is Herbert Blomstedt who introduces us to this wonderful music:
