Love

This evocative piece conjures up warm evenings in Venice, gliding along the canals whilst the gentle waves (pizzicato or 'plucked' strings) cradle two lovers as they speak of their devout love for one another (as we hear in the dialogue between the the cello and violin). The cross rhythms of triplets against duplets mirrors the couple's dialogue with the gentle ripples of the water.

The couple embrace for one last time... The expressive and lyrical melody held by the cello reflects the yearning for their next encounter with the couple cradled by the gentle pulsations of the piano as their heartbeats race with excitement and sadness at the same time. This piece is recognized for its tender and introspective qualities, featuring delicate interplay between the piano and the accompanying string instruments and, in so doing, creating a harmonious and intimate atmosphere.

This plaintive and reflective piece is pure and innocent with its gentle piano accompaniment as the theme is passed from piano to strings in a loving interplay between the three instruments. The steady tempo gives space for the melody to be guided along. The sentiment and introspective nature of this piece reflects the same mood as that of the exchange of wedding vows and would be an ideal piece for any nuptial setting.

This is a lyrical and expressive piece that showcases famed German Romantic composer Beethoven's melodic and emotional writing style. It is written for solo violin accompanied by an orchestra. The composition begins with a beautiful and serene melody played by the violin, which is then developed and expanded upon throughout the piece. This is known for its graceful and elegant character with moments of both tenderness and virtuosity. It is a beloved work in the violin repertoire, often performed in concert settings and appreciated for its melodic beauty and expressive qualities. This is a first romance portrayed stunning in music: everything about it is perfect and full of sentiment and love as is depicted straight away within the first iteration of the theme indicated by the two rising ornaments at the close of the first phrase.

This tempestuous movement reflects the more passionate side of love; raunchy and steamy! As the cello and piano are virtually in competition yet perfectly matched this intense theme weaves itself up through a cascade of chromaticism then falls again like the tumult of emotions between a couple who's love is loving and dangerous. Cathy and Heathcliff, Scarlet and Rhett - this could apply to any fiery couple!

The lull before the storm. The windswept left-hand accompaniment dances up-and-down, fancy-free as the main theme sings so openly and with its beautiful and hymn-like refrain, only to grow into a storm as the mood and key change from major to minor and the texture becomes denser and the tempo gets faster only to come to a cataclysmic end. This is reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet or Tristan and Isolde; the music, as lyrical and beautiful as it is, will always have the undertone of a fatal destiny.

The wonderful interplay between the instruments is so reminiscent of a young couple teasing and flirting. The way the pizzicato or 'plucked' strings are juxtaposed with the capricious violin that dances above the main theme as a countermelody conjures up images of sweet romance.

At Clara Schumann's funeral (composer, pianist and wife of the great Romantic composer Robert Schumann), Brahms confessed that he had lost the one true love of his life. A lot of what Brahms wrote was with Clara in mind but their relationship was never consummated (allegedly, Brahms remained celibate all his life!). The exuberant optimism of the main theme rises and expands as the melody develops. The cello and violin dance together in joyous harmony as the piano acts as a backdrop to the passionate confession with its rich, full sound and orchestral textures.

The warmth of this movement with the low bass notes in the piano and long phrase arc taken by the cello reflects the warm caress or loving embrace by a loved one. The cello and violin join and play the main theme parallel as they warmly embrace and carry the main theme with the support of the piano acting as the backdrop to the ever-growing bond between the two protagonists.

Beginning with a certain sense of anticipation and ambiguousness, the melody then takes off as the couple decide to take each other's hands and dance, only to be soon taken to their dreamland as the muted violin mists the sound with the deliriousness of love.