Tragic Overture Op. 81 (1880)

Johannes Brahms (1833 -1897)

Brahms grew up in Hamburg receiving a solid musical education, although he did not attend university. In 1899, the University of Breslau offered Brahms the honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Brahms responded unexpectedly with his light-hearted Academic Festival overture, composed during his summer holidays in the spa town of Ischl, when he also composed the Tragic overture. Written not in response to any particular tragedy or event, it was simply intended as a solemn counterpoint to its more joyful twin. Brahms noted “One weeps, the other laughs”.

Performed: September 2017