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Johannes Brahms

Alto Rhapsody

The Alto Rhapsody, Op. 53, is a composition for contralto, male chorus, and orchestra by Johannes Brahms, a setting of verses from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Harzreise im Winter. It was written in

Recordings#

The Alto Rhapsody is not frequently performed in concert, perhaps because of the expense of hiring a soloist and chorus for a short piece, but it has been recorded many times both by contralto and mezzo-soprano singers. A selection of recordings available as of 2012 illustrates the wide range of tempi adopted by different interpreters of the Rhapsody, with playing duration ranging from 11 minutes 15 seconds to 16 minutes 10 seconds.

References#

  • West, Ewan: Notes to EMI CD CDM 7 69650 2
  • Stone, John: Notes to HMV CD 5 68014 2
      • Detailed listening guide using a recording conducted by Claudio Abbado
Composer
Johannes Brahms