A historical and structural analysis of Cello sonata no. 1 in E minor, op. 38, by Johannes Brahms

Abstract

This creative project consists of a collaborative recital and a supporting paper. The recital, presented on January 24, 2010 at the Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall at Iowa State University with George Work, cellist, included three works for violoncello and piano: Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sonata in g minor for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord, BWV 1029, Johannes Brahms’ Cello Sonata No. 1 in E minor, Op. 38, and the Luigi Boccherini Rondo for Cello and Piano. The supporting research paper focuses on the most substantive work on the program, the Brahms sonata, analyzing it harmonically and structurally and placing it in historical context.