24 BRAHMS | CLARINET SONATAS ∙ HORN TRIO This is followed by a particularly serene Allegretto grazioso, which contrasts with the contemplative emotion that has gone before, unfolding a melody of popular, dancelike character, almost naive in its simplicity, which is further reinforced by the childlike grace of the Trio. The Vivace finale retains this pastoral dimension. After a fanfare-like start with a hint of a carillon, comes a rondo full of rustic merriment, its playful theme alternating with brief episodes that vie with each other in inventiveness and charm; in life. The Second Sonata has only three movements, which probably gives it an even more unified mood than its predecessor. The openly ‘vernal’ Allegro amabile is introduced by a long, tranquil, radiant theme (hence amabile), a carefree musical stroll; this is repeated and exalted, and is enhanced by two further themes, excluding any real element of drama right through to the wonderful conclusion, hauntingly beautiful once again. The darkly energetic Allegro appassionato brings a touch of the epic, closely linked to the rhapsodic spirit that runs through Brahms’s output; a Trio in the form of an austere march intervenes before the reprise of the Allegro, which ends calmly.
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