Brahms and Haydn, Together

Overview

The composer Brahms was a savvy businessman. He used Haydn’s name to help sell his now-famous Variations on a Theme by Haydn, even though Haydn might not have written the tune. Regardless, Brahms’s variations explore the theme’s emotional depth with drama, humor, and poise. Rounding out the program are a transcription of Brahms’ Double Concerto f or Violin, Cello, and Orchestra, which adapts the violin and cello parts for a solo pianist, as well as Haydn’s “London” Symphony, his farewell note to his favorite city.