BSO: Viennese Whirls

Brahms finished his Second Symphony directly on the heels of his First, but it would be hard to find two more different works. Occasionally referred to as his ‘Pastoral’ symphony, it is of a much happier and lighter nature, and it was immediately taken to the hearts of Viennese audiences, with its sunny themes and numerous dance-like melodies – gentle and lyrical. In their simple beauty the themes give the impression of having been written down in inspired spontaneity.

Berg was not a musician of revolutionary temperament. On the contrary, he had great reverence for musical tradition, demonstrated in his Violin Concerto which draws substance from, and pays homage to, the musical past. Throughout the work Berg uses the Lutheran chorale It is Enough to form repeated phrases before ending in peaceful reverence; this perhaps explains Berg’s dedication “to the memory of an angel.” Johann Strauss’ sweeping waltz conjures the elegance of the Viennese dancehalls.