Waltzes in the style of Johannes Brahms – composed by students of the HfM FRANZ LISZT Weimar (2023/2024)

Johannes Brahms' Waltzes, Op. 39, were the subject of a special music theory course led by Prof. Marcus Aydintan during the winter semester of 2023/2024, which was specifically aimed at students majoring in piano. In class, selected waltzes were analysed in terms of their harmonic structure, compositional technique and formal design.

On this analytical basis, the students were given the task of composing their own waltzes in the style of Brahms. The resulting drafts were discussed together, compared with each other and further developed with regard to different harmonic and compositional solutions. Practical experimentation on the piano was an important part of the working process. In this way, theoretical knowledge was transferred into creative practice and made audible in compositional and interpretative work.

The result is a varied series of waltzes for piano four hands, composed and performed by students of the university. The works were rehearsed under the direction of Prof. Michail Lifits.