Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68
Johannes Brahms
Work background
Researched classical background
Brahms took many years to complete his First Symphony. Its opening introduces insistent timpani beneath lines moving in opposite directions, establishing a dense and concentrated musical argument. The finale begins in darkness before horn and brass ideas prepare a broad major-key theme. Across four movements, transformation of small motives helps connect the score's public scale with its tightly worked detail.
A listening guide
Compare the introductions to the first and last movements and hear how they prepare the faster music that follows.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1876 (completion)
The symphony had a long gestation; the completion year does not date all surviving sketches.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Date, title and version notes
A single completion year does not represent the entire period of planning and revision.
Symphony No. 1 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Symphony No. 1 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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