Brahms The three Sonatas for Piano and Violin were all written during Brahms’ summer vacation in Switzerland where he was surrounded by the beauties of nature. Despite existing in the same setting, it is fascinating to note that each possesses its own unique colour. The first Sonata was completed in 1879. Among the three, the first is the least dramatic, although the intimacy and subtle harmonic changes make it a masterpiece, full of extreme romanticism and fantasy. The Sonata opens in the first movement with a sensation of blossoming, followed by the Adagio in which the second and third bars on the piano create broadness and depth. The third movement is based on one of his songs – “Regenlied” or Rain Song – which was Brahms’ passion and Clara Schumann’s favourite song. The flowing rain-like movement on the piano depicts the sad feelings which Brahms must have had towards Clara who was married to his close friend Robert Schumann. Faure...