Brahms’s “Intermezzo in A major, Op. 118, No. 2” is a beautiful, introspective piece with a fascinating backstory that reflects Brahms’s state of mind in his later years. Written in 1893, the work is part of his Op. 118 set, which is among the last compositions he created for solo piano. These intermezzos represent Brahms’s introspection and nostalgia, qualities that characterize much of his late style.
The Op. 118 Set
The set of six pieces, Op. 118, was composed when Brahms was around 60 years old. By this time, he had retired from writing large symphonic works, focusing on smaller, more intimate forms. Dedicated to Clara Schumann, a close friend and confidante throughout his life, this set, particularly the A major Intermezzo, reflects a deep, personal sentiment. Many believe that the music of this period reflects Brahms’s own melancholy and contemplation of life, love, and mortality.
선우예권│브람스, 간주곡 Op.118 No.2 (J.Brahms, Intermezzo Op.118 No.2) Pf.Yekwon Sunwoo MBC210109
The Context of Brahms’s Later Years
By the time Brahms composed the Op. 118 set, he had already announced his retirement from composing. Yet, the music kept calling to him. He was in his early sixties, a point in his life marked by reflection, and he often felt a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. These feelings likely stemmed from a combination of factors: the passing of time, a sense of completion, and the knowledge that many of his closest friends were no longer with him. Notably, he had also recently learned that Clara Schumann, who had been an anchor in his life, was seriously ill.
Clara had been his muse, confidante, and lifelong friend, a relationship that many speculate carried romantic undertones despite its platonic nature. It’s thought that these intermezzi were written with Clara in mind, perhaps as a final musical offering to her, reflecting both his affection for her and the depth of their bond.
A Deeper Dive into the Music
The “Intermezzo in A major” unfolds with a simple yet incredibly touching theme, played in a delicate, almost whisper-like dynamic. This main theme has a song-like quality that brings to mind the intimate feeling of a lullaby. The melody floats above a flowing accompaniment that supports it with gentle arpeggios. There’s a sense of stillness and warmth in this section, as though Brahms is reminiscing on moments of pure beauty or cherished memories.
In the B section, however, Brahms introduces a stark contrast. The gentle arpeggios give way to urgent, almost turbulent movement, the harmonies darkening as the tension builds. Here, Brahms’s inner turmoil seems to surface, and the music becomes a little more stormy and intense, reflecting a kind of internal struggle or emotional turbulence. This section has been interpreted as an expression of unfulfilled longing, grief, or perhaps even a fear of mortality.
But the storm passes, and the piece returns to its original theme, transformed subtly. This modified reprise gives a sense of quiet acceptance, of letting go, as though Brahms is coming to terms with whatever emotions he has just explored. In the final measures, the piece fades out with a delicate, almost prayer-like quality, leaving listeners with a feeling of peaceful resignation.
The Emotional Landscape of the Intermezzo
Many people who play or listen to this piece feel an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. It’s as if Brahms is taking a deep, final look back at his life—the joys, the sorrows, and everything in between. There’s something deeply universal in this introspective journey. The warmth and tenderness of the melody reflect the kindness and affection Brahms held in his heart, while the stormy middle section mirrors the inner struggles and complexities of a man who, though celebrated and admired, perhaps still grappled with loneliness.
The fact that he chose the title “Intermezzo” for this work is telling. Typically, intermezzos were brief, light pieces meant to serve as a pause between larger, weightier movements. But in Brahms’s hands, the intermezzo becomes a miniature world unto itself. It’s as if Brahms is offering a brief, intimate moment of reflection amidst the larger symphony of life, a “pause” to feel and reflect before moving on.
Reception and Lasting Impact
Brahms’s intermezzos, particularly this one, have captivated pianists and audiences for well over a century. Many consider it one of the finest examples of introspective Romantic music, with its ability to convey complex emotions in a relatively simple and restrained musical structure. For performers, playing this piece is often an emotional experience. It demands not only technical precision but also a sensitivity to its underlying emotions, requiring the pianist to bring out the nuances and subtle shifts in mood.
Listeners, too, find themselves moved by the Intermezzo in A major. It’s a piece that speaks to anyone who has experienced love, loss, and the passage of time. In it, Brahms offers a musical space to reflect on these universal themes, wrapping listeners in its warmth and gentle sorrow.
Brahms’s Farewell to Music
Some view this piece, along with the rest of the Op. 118 and 119 sets, as Brahms’s farewell to music. Although he continued composing for a short while afterward, these intermezzos feel like a culmination of his life’s work—a final bow, as it were. They’re imbued with a sense of closure, an acceptance of the end. In these pieces, Brahms seems to say goodbye, not with loud fanfare, but with a gentle sigh.
So, the “Intermezzo in A major, Op. 118, No. 2” is not just a piece of music—it’s a profound, deeply personal expression of Brahms’s soul. For anyone who listens, it’s a reminder of the beauty, fragility, and fleeting nature of life. And perhaps that’s why it continues to resonate so strongly; in a world that’s constantly changing, Brahms’s music reminds us of the emotions that endure.