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Intermezzo in A minor - Johannes Brahms - ABRSM 2017/18 Grade 8 Piano C2 with TEACHING NOTES

817 views · Published 30 September 2016 · 4:03 · Indexed 10 November 2026

Channel: MusicOnline UK · 2016 · Education

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Want a DISTINCTION in YOUR next ABRSM Exam? https://www.music-online.org.uk/2019/01/how-to-get-distinction-in-abrsm-exams.html Intermezzo in A minor - Johannes Brahms - ABRSM 2017/18 Grade 8 Piano C2 

TEACHING NOTES
This Intermezzo in A minor, might at first glance seem one of the easier options in the Grade 8 syllabus, but nevertheless will need subtlety of control, and finesse of "orchestration", being aware of the different voices within the piece. There are a couple of footnotes in the ABRSM edition which don't need to repeated here in relation to this.

Also in the footnotes - be aware that REPEATS ARE TO BE PLAYED  in the exam. (Usually omitted for ABRSM exams)

Pedalling is obviously necessary in this intermezzo especially to maintain bass harmonies, but be careful that it doesn't obscure the rests. For a good mark accuracy in observing the exactness of the length of rests will be required. For example in bars 2 & 4, the dotted note should be sounding "solo" for an extra half beat after the surrounding chord is released (Watch 0:09)

The 2nd section (starting 0:34) should flow, but with a feeling of space and time throughout. A little rubato will help here. This section is an excellent example of Brahms' renowned avoidance of the "tyranny of the bar line", syncopating the starts of phrases - NOT to produce a jazzy effect but rather to obscure where bars start and finish, thus giving the music the flow earlier mention.

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