31 Days of Classical, Day 13: a Brahmsian outburst

Each day throughout July, I'll share with you a piece of classical music. Thirty-one days, thirty-one pieces.

The list is by no means definitive, nor is it necessarily a list of all of my favorite music from the classical world. Every morning, I start my day with music that inspires me in some way, whether I'm inspired by its happiness, its loneliness, the instrumentation, the harmony, the colors, the melody -- each piece is special in some way -- and offers an opportunity to either hear something you've never heard, or hear something new in a piece you've known your whole life.

Day 13: Johannes Brahms, Symphony No. 4, 2nd movement (Andante moderato)

This is interesting, this symphony. There are a lot of references to "old" music here, particularly in the 2nd movement and the finale. We'll focus on the stunning 2nd movement here. It opens with horns playing in an old "church mode" called Phrygian. The defining characteristic of Phrygian is hearing that half-step in the beginning. It's basically a minor scale with a flat-two, if that floats your boat. Anyway, after the horns, it's time for clarinet! I love how the strings pluck along underneath. The shining star of the movement happens 2:47. Holy. Brahms. He follows that glorious statement with a quintessential Brahmsian outburst at 3:23. Enjoy the beauty!

Take the 31 Days of Classical Challenge

31 Days is a bite-sized month-long trial of Classical Music from across the spectrum of the wonderful, expansive music we love at Classical MPR. Join the fun by subscribing to the 31 Days of Classical newsletter, or use #31DaysofClassical on Twitter or Facebook.

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