Style and Expression in Brahms' Violin Sonatas: Performance Practice in the 21st-Century

Abstract

This artistic research explores tensions between historical and modern stylistic expectations for the violin sonatas of Johannes Brahms. Aspects of 19th-century performance style diverge from modern conventions, including the use of tempo flexibility and violinistic devices like vibrato and portamento, and this creates certain challenges for performance of Brahms’ music today. Such challenges include considering and assimilating these ideas amidst conflicting norms and the practicalities of modern training. In this investigation I prepared each of Brahms’ violin sonatas for recital with some exploration of ‘historically informed’ practices. Artist-researchers in Brahms performance practice guided this task, along with other musicians. A summary was developed to describe the style concisely and clearly; it emphasises a connection between style and broader principles of expressive music-making. The process formed an appreciation for the value of this historical style, particularly because of its strong connection to expressivity and the diverse creative possibilities it offers. Historical style offers tools to reach towards more expressive performance, which is a goal shared by musicians past and present. Awareness of this may alleviate tensions felt between styles and provide a way to incorporate aspects of the historical style in performance of Brahms’ music, even where full stylistic assimilation is not practical.