Masterclass: Johannes Moser on Brahms E minor Cello Sonata no.1 op.38

Cellist Johannes Moser presents a Masterclass on the first two movements of Brahms Cello Sonata in E minor in the December 2017 issue. He says:

This sonata is filled with amazing artistry from the start: the opening melody, set on the lowest string, is dark and sinister, with a sense of disquiet. It is one of my favourite pieces and I frequently teach it to my students in Cologne.

However, many cellists do not pay enough attention to what is actually written on the page. There is nothing wrong with falling in love with a certain way of interpreting the music, but I think we need to remind ourselves what is subjective and what was the composer’s actual intention. Looking carefully at what Brahms wrote, rather than listening to recordings to guide our interpretations, leads us to see details that are often overlooked.