# Brahms, Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98

The chain of falling thirds that opens the symphony. Exposed, lyrical, and unforgiving about the shape of each two-note gesture.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Johannes Brahms

- **Work:** Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98

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

- **Era:** Romantic (c. 1820–1880)

- **Composed:** 1885

- **Tempo:** Allegro non troppo

- **Clef:** Treble clef

- **Difficulty:** Advanced

- **Audition list:** Standard excerpt

## Bowing

Warm and sustained, with the bow change disguised. An audible change breaks the line into fragments.

## Where it goes wrong

The intervals are wide enough that intonation drifts; check the thirds against each other rather than note by note.

## Style

Each pair of notes is a sigh, not two equal notes, the second should be lighter and shorter than the first.

## Techniques

symphony, audition, lyrical, exposed

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

- [Brahms: Symphony No. 1, IV, big tune](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/brahms-1-iv-violin), The broad string melody of the finale. Technically approachable, which puts all the weight on sound and phrasing. Intermediate; Romantic; Treble clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night’s Dream, Scherzo](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/mendelssohn-midsummer-scherzo-violin), The benchmark test for a light, fast, controlled stroke. Fairy music at speed, played quietly, with total evenness. Audition; Romantic; Treble clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Schumann: Symphony No. 2, II, Scherzo](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/schumann-2-scherzo), Perpetual-motion sixteenth notes at a fast tempo, sustained far longer than feels comfortable. A stamina and evenness test as much as a technical one. Audition; Romantic; Treble clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/violin/brahms-4-i-violin