Analysis Of The Elements Of German Folk Songs In Brahms' "Intermezzo In A Major" Op.118 No.2

Brahms is one of the most important German composers in the Romantic period of music history.He is known as the last German Austrian classical master,and he always adheres to the German music tradition.What can't be ignored in his works is the distinctive German music atmosphere.Brahms was dedicated into gathering German folk songs,publishing a bunch of collections of different types of folk music.In this way,many of his works show the elements of traditional German culture and music,especially some of his piano works,which are a symbol of the inheritance and development of Brahms towards German folk songs.During his epic career as a composer,Brahms built a firm connection with German folk music.He used German folk songs as the theme of his works,the lyrics of which are both elegant and close to daily life,making them more understandable and easy to operate.The Intermezzo in A major(Op.118 No.2)is one of his greatest work in the late period of his composing career.The folk song elements occupy an important position in this work.Through this work,you can get a glimpse of the relationship between Brahms and German folk songs,but at present there are not many documents about it.This thesis attempts to taking this work as an example,to analyze the folk song elements and styles.It tends to analyze the way Brahms got connected with German folk songs,and explore the deeper thoughts of the composer hidden under the spectrum.This article is divided into three parts:the first chapter reviews the collection and contribution towards German folk songs by Brahms,the main features of German folk songs and the elements of German folk songs in Brahms' piano works in different periods.The second chapter focuses on the Intermezzo in A major,combining the characteristics of German folk song elements to analyze how Brahms used these folk song elements in his works.The last chapter summarizes the performance skills of Intermezzo in A Major in melody,speed and strength.It is hoped that through the analysis in this article,enlightening help can be provided to relevant scholars and performers.