Symphony No. 4 in E Minor Opus 98

Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Opus 56a

Brahms was quoted as having said: "I feel the footsteps of Beethoven behind me." Nevertheless, he achieved enough stature to be rated along with Beethoven and Bach, as "The Three B's" of classical music.

His style is lush and romantic to the nth degree, but still follows the great classical traditions in form that were originally established by Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven. His mentor, Robert Schumann, launched Brahms at the tender age of 20, and wrote extensively about the young genius, whom he considered the heir to Beethoven.

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 4 Allegro non troppo
2. Symphony No. 4 Andante moderato
3. Symphony No. 4 Allegro giocosos
4. Symphony No. 4 Allegro energico e passionato
5. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a Brahms' Early Career
6. Listener’s Guide: Variations on a Theme by Haydn
7. Listener’s Guide: Variations Background and Chorale
8. Listener’s Guide: Theme Structure and Harmony
9. Listener’s Guide: Variations I-III
10. Listener’s Guide: Variations IV-VI
11. Listener’s Guide: Variations VII, VIII and Finale
12. Listener’s Guide: Champion of the Classical Tradition
13. Listener’s Guide: Symphony No. 4, Movements I & II
14. Listener’s Guide: Symphony No. 4, Movements III & IV
15. Brahms' Complex Character