High School

Which of the following Romantic genres were the only ones cultivated by the Classicist Brahms? Which did he not cultivate?

A. Genre cultivated by Brahms
B. Character piece
C. Lied
D. Program symphonies
E. Mythological operas

Answer :

Brahms cultivated the Romantic genres of character pieces and lieder, but he did not cultivate mythological operas. So, the correct options are b -character piece, c -lied and e-mythological operas.

Brahms, known for his adherence to classical forms and structures, demonstrated his mastery in character pieces and lieder, which are genres more closely associated with the Romantic era. Character pieces allowed him to explore various moods and emotions within concise musical forms, while lieder showcased his ability to set poetry to music with depth and expression.

However, Brahms did not venture into the realm of mythological operas, as these grand productions typically involved elaborate narratives and larger-than-life characters, which didn't align with his preference for more intimate and introspective musical settings.

Brahms' focus on character pieces and lieder reflects his inclination towards smaller-scale compositions where he could intricately weave musical ideas and explore nuanced emotions. These genres provided him with ample opportunities to showcase his compositional skill and sensitivity to text and mood.

On the other hand, mythological operas demanded a different approach, often requiring elaborate staging, large orchestras, and expansive storytelling, elements that Brahms seemed less inclined towards. Instead, he preferred to delve into the complexities of human emotions and experiences within the more intimate settings of character pieces and lieder.

In summary, Brahms' repertoire included character pieces and lieder, genres that allowed him to showcase his mastery of musical expression and form within more intimate settings. However, he did not venture into mythological operas, which required a different artistic approach and scale that didn't align with his compositional style and preferences. So, the correct options are b -character piece, c -lied and e-mythological operas.