Brahms - Orchestral Serenade in A Major

[Robert Newman]

Johannes Brahms (1833-97)

One of the most fascinating works I’ve heard in recent years is the little known 2nd Serenade of Brahms. The one in A Major. His Opus.16. It’s a fascinating work because it was written for orchestra but features only for woodwinds, horns, violas, cellos, double basses and some percussion. No violins ! (Which is really remarkable in an orchestral serenade). It’s in 5 movements.

Quite formal in structure and happy. Never extrovert or stressful. A very remarkable work which I will feature here later.

[jawoodruff]

I think I've heard this piece a little while ago. Very nice indeed.

[Robert Newman]

Yes, jawoodruff, I've heard it a few times myself and it's really nice as you say. I'm surprised it's not far more famous. But there are of course all sorts of other great works by him. I'll post some movements of it here soon. I find it to be fascinating - the scoring alone is ingenious.

[Kodanshi]

Didn’t Brahms flesh it out for a full orchestra later? I love it, by the way, especially the 3rd movement: Adagio non troppo.

[rovikered]

Didn’t Brahms flesh it out for a full orchestra later? I love it, by the way, especially the 3rd movement: Adagio non troppo.

I can't find anything saying he did. The Brahms scholar Michael Musgrave in his book on the music of Brahms does not mention such a re-working.
Both Serenades were given their first performances in 1860. The first one,Op.11 in D, appears to be distinguished as 'for full orchestra'.
I agree with the opinions of the Serenades already expressed by previous posters. But in any case Brahms is one of my preferred composers.

[Kodanshi]

I bow to Musgrave’s superior knowledge! I must have had the first one in mind then