Brahms’ Violin Sonata No 1 in G major was written during the summers of 1878 and 1879 and was, apparently, the result after several previous efforts had been consigned to the rubbish bin as not worthy of presentation in public. Clara Schumann loved the piece immediately and it remained a favourite for the rest of her life. It is a lyrical composition with a mood of gentle nostalgia.
Brahms’ Horn Trio was written in 1865, not long after the death of his mother. This composition is more sombre in tone, combining Brahms’ love of nature with a sense of melancholy and sadness.