Brahms: Cello Sonata No. 2 in F Major, Op. 99, Mvt. 4

Composed in 1886, Brahms’s Second Cello Sonata, Op. 99, in F major had its world premiere on November 14, 1886, in Vienna. The performance featured cellist Robert Hausmann alongside the composer at the piano.

Published by Simrock in 1887, the sonata consists of four expansive movements noted for their dynamic, conversational interplay between piano and cello. The opening theme is triumphant, heroic in character, and the movement features an innovative bow technique of tremelo-like string crossings in the cello. The second movement is recognized as one of Brahms’s finest adagios. In three-part form, it features dramatic use of cello pizzicato. The third movement is a demonic f minor scherzo with a contrasting middle section in F major of memorable lyrical beauty. The finale-rondo combines a feel-good theme with deeper emotional contrasting sections.