# Johannes Brahms, cello excerpts

4 annotated excerpts; 4 on audition lists.

Romantic

- [Brahms: Symphony No. 1, II, opening](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/brahms-1-ii), Hushed, expansive opening. The cellos provide the harmonic foundation under the violin theme, total bow control. Advanced; Romantic; Bass clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Brahms: Symphony No. 2, II, cello opening](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/brahms-2-ii), One of the most beloved cello-section excerpts in the repertoire, a long, singing tenor-clef line that opens the slow movement. Audition; Romantic; Tenor clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Brahms: Symphony No. 3, III, cello melody](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/brahms-3-iii), The famous wistful melody (familiar from many film scores). Cello section sings the principal tune. Advanced; Romantic; Tenor clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Brahms: Symphony No. 4, I, second theme](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/brahms-4-i), The cellos and horn give out the noble second theme, broad, declamatory, and rhythmically precise. Advanced; Romantic; Tenor clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/cello/composer/brahms