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Romantic · ballade

Ballade in D major, Op. 10 No. 2

Johannes Brahms · Level 8, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

Schumann praised its variety and imaginative character. Ballade in D major, Op. 10 No. 2 is a ballade by Johannes Brahms from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.

On this page
  • ballade
  • Romantic
  • Key of D major
  • grand

Also known as Brahms - Ballade Op 10 No 2.

History

In a letter dated 6 January 1855, Robert Schumann praised the second Ballade's variety and imaginative passages. That documented reaction gives this work an individual reception story rather than borrowing Edward's poem from No. 1. His praise of a strange ending occurs in the preceding discussion of No. 1, not No. 2.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. Paired contours sit over repeated support

    Opening contours unfold above repeated lower support. Hear the melodic direction continue across the repeated foundation.

  2. A six-beat contrast broadens the texture

    The five-sharp six-beat region changes the pitch context and grouping. Compare its broader route with the opening paired contours.

  3. Lower chords slow toward the return

    The lower chordal continuation eases before the opening-related return. Follow that preparation across the changing responses.

  4. Changed phrases settle into slower gestures

    The final phrases change their continuation and slow. Hear their relationship to earlier material without expecting a literal repetition.

How to practise it

Balance the upper octave contour against an offset lower line.

  1. Practise the upper contour slowly with relaxed releases between positions.
  2. Count the lower entry and tie alone, then add the upper octave events.
  3. Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

Contrasting lyrical and active sections require coordinated texture changes and convincing large-scale pacing.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Johannes Brahms, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Licence
CC0
Source
musescore.com

More by Johannes Brahms

  1. Waltz, Op. 39 No. 10, solo piano editionLevel 4, estimatedWith Maestro
  2. Intermezzo in A major, Op. 118 No. 2Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
  3. Rhapsody in B minor, Op. 79 No. 1Level 9, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Balance the upper octave contour against an offset lower line.

Practise it in PlayPiano