Hungarian Dance No. 5
Introduction Hungarian Dance No. 5 in F-sharp minor is perhaps the most famous of Johannes Brahms’s 21 Hungarian Dances, originally written for four hands at one piano and later orchestrated. Composed in 1869, this work captures the fiery spirit and rhythmic vitality of Hungarian gypsy music, which Brahms encountered during his early career. The piece alternates between a dramatic minor-key section and a bright, joyful major-key trio, creating a dynamic contrast that showcases both the passionate and celebratory aspects of Hungarian folk tradition. Its infectious rhythm, marked by the characteristic syncopations and rubato of gypsy style, has made it one of the most recognizable pieces in the classical repertoire. Brahms’s Hungarian Dances brought authentic folk elements into the concert hall, influencing many composers who followed.
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