# Brahms, Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73

The low string figure that opens the symphony, the three-note motif everything else is built from. Quiet, exposed, and entirely about sound.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Johannes Brahms

- **Work:** Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73

- **Movement:** I. Allegro non troppo

- **Era:** Romantic (c. 1820–1880)

- **Composed:** 1877

- **Clef:** Bass clef

- **Difficulty:** Advanced

- **Audition list:** Standard excerpt

## Bowing

A warm, sustained sound at a low dynamic. Bass players tend to under-bow at pianissimo, and the note loses its centre.

## Where it goes wrong

Exposed and slow, so intonation is fully audible. Check it against the open strings.

## Style

It is the seed of the whole symphony and should sound like a statement, not an accompaniment, but quietly.

## Techniques

symphony, audition, exposed, soft

This public reference contains work information and original practice notes. It does not publish the excerpt notation or grant permission to copy a score. Score access and rights depend on the edition and jurisdiction.

## Related excerpts

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/bass/brahms-2-i-bass