Classical Masterpieces
Brahms‘ Symphony Nr. 4
It took Brahms twenty years to complete his first symphony, by which time he was 43 years old. For his other three symphonies he also needed a lot of time – eight years in all.
Brahms wrote his Fourth Symphony in 1884 / 85 at the peak of his creative powers. Following the death of Richard Wagner, Brahms was regarded as the greatest living composer. The Fourth Symphony is characterized by rich tonal beauty and profound musicality. It also expanded the range of forms open to composers.
But it also marked a conclusion. Although Brahms lived for a further twelve years, he never wrote another major orchestral composition.
Broadcast Times: Sat, 12.8.2006 18:30 UTC; Sun 13.8.2006 6:30 UTC; Mon 14.8.2006 0:30 UTC, 12:30 UTC
