The instrumental ballad was a popular musical form in the 19th century and these four pieces for piano are Brahms’s only contribution to the genre. The composer wrote the ballades during the time of his close friendship with Clara Schumann, and they exude an intimacy more typical of a vocal ballad. The pieces, which Schumann enthusiastically praised, were described by Brahms as being “not too difficult to play and even less difficult to understand.”

Orchestration: Piano maker / publisher: Schott Frères Edition No.: SF 5815 pages: 56

By John W. Schaum Series: John W. Schaum Piano Course Category: Piano - Schaum Method Format: Book Instrument: Piano Level: Grade 6 Leading to Mastery of the Instrument for the Virtuoso

Editor: Ernst Herttrich Fingering: Hans-Martin Theopold Pages: 22