Brahms Quest

[duchess of malfi]

Well, having recently having finished up my Mahler Quest (his ten symphonies) and my Bolcom Quest (listening to all of his music that is readily available) I am ready to start studying a new composer.

I have been thinking about Brahms. I have listened to and enjoyed his Third Symphony and his German Requiem.

And his composition output doesn't seem to be as overpowering in quantity as Mozart or Bach. Those Quests would take years.

Here is where I need help.

I know that I should listen or relisten to:
his four symphonies
German Requiem

But is there anything else by Brahms I should listen to? Does he have any chamber music or concertos or song cycles or the like that is outstanding?

[dANdeLION]

I'll check and see what I have of Brahms, and tell you what I like of it. Right now, I'm drawing a blank, though I know there was something that stood out.

[duchess of malfi]

Thanks, dAN.

[dANdeLION]

Okay, I checked to see what I have, and it isn't much. 2nd & 3rd Movements from Symphony No. 3-Opus 90, Wiegenlied, a Waltz, Hungarian Dance, Academic Festival Overture-Opus 80, and Violin Concerto in D Major-Opus 77 2nd Movement. The Violin Concerto is the one that stands out in my memory; partly because it's incredibly, hauntingly beautiful, and partly because it reminds my of the violin piece Dr. Frankenstein used to draw his monster to him in Young Frankenstein. I know that sounds goofy, but I can't help how my brain works.