Brahms Symphonies for 2 Pianos

During the 19th century, it became popular to arrange large-scale works for piano duet on one or two pianos. This allowed greater access for amateurs and professionals alike to all the masterpieces of the literature. Brahms allowed himself greater freedom in arranging his music, writing in a letter to Robert Keller “I deal more drastically and boldly with a piece of mine than you or anyone else can.”

Below is a performance of Brahms’ Symphony no.4. This Symphony was completed in August 1885, with a performance of this arrangement given on 14 October 1885 with Brahms and Ignaz Brüll at the pianos.