Zoltán Kocsis: Brahms – Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 2 – I. Allegro non troppo, ma energico

BRAHMS, Johannes

Sonata for Solo Piano No. 2 in F-sharp Minor, Op. 2

I. Allegro non troppo, ma energico

Zoltán Kocsis, guest professor

Ji Liu, student

Zoltán Kocsis begins the class explaining that, in a formal sense, this work is larger than the student has shown with his interpretation.
Regarding the first chords of the movement, in the professor’s opinion, they should be played more “dry” and staccatissimo. Kocsis then makes some comments on the use of the pedal, articulation, Brahmsian sound, and accents.
Later, they review issues related to dynamics, effects, and character of the melody in legato, tempo, and meter. Kocsis insists on the character and agogic and dynamic aspects for the second theme. In a certain passage, the marcato is very important, and the student should also play more agitato to maintain the listener’s attention.
Regarding the following part, Professor Kocsis suggests playing the silences without pedal and a little slower but in tempo. They also talk about the thoughtful character in Brahms – here in this early composition it is not necessary compared to later ones – and Kocsis emphasizes the importance of directing the listener towards the next part: the pianist must be like an actor.

Language: English