Ambitious in scale, highly original in both content and design, these
popular works exhibit Brahms's mastery of the concerto and his role as
heir to the classical tradition of Mozart and Beethoven. Both works are
marked by drama, elegance, rich orchestral textures, and virtuoso
writing for the soloist.
Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15, is a mighty work, featuring a
theatrically powerful first movement, a tranquil adagio, and a spirited
finale. Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 83, is a majestic piece that
includes a notable departure from the classical tradition: the addition
of a scherzo between the opening movement and the andante. Both works
appear here in authoritative two-piano editions, featuring the solo part
together with an orchestral reduction for second piano, the standard
format for learning and practice. In addition, this volume offers
pianists the convenience and economy of two major concertos in a single
edition.