Three Tales of Brahms's Conception of the Ostinato from Symphony no. 4.

Essay 1
MUSC 695
9/23/2021
Knapp (1989) pointed out that there are three “tales” of Brahms’s Symphony no. 4, which are the tradition in the ostinato bass Brahms’s intended movements and thematic relationships within the symphony: the main movements include the ostinato, Baroque-ostinato, and chacon. I argue that the first solution, a basis on Bach’s finale of Cantata No. 150 (“Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich”), is the most convincing, since it reflects the rich tradition of the ostinato bass.
Brahms utilized ostinato-like repetition in other compositions, reflecting his historical awareness of the ostinato bass among previous composers. While he respected tradition as he integrated the ostinato bass in Symphony no. 4, he also added characteristics that distinguished the composition from earlier music by other composers. While older traditional techniques inspired Brahms, his compositions were balanced and also integrated expressive techniques that emerged later. Basically, the Baroque ostinato techniques were usually in triple meter. Moreover, there was also the fourth symphony by Brahms, which adhered to the conventions associated with the Ostinato techniques. However, in the Fourth Symphony, Brahms also followed the conventions in particulars. The style he utilized also had certain departures: the subjects are ascending instead of descending to the dominant, and also, it fails to elide with itself (Knapp, 1989). There was unusual speculation on Brahms application of this style of subject. In 1922, there were recounts about the composer and his experiences. He was known as one of the most qualified experts in his composition style. Another essential aspect in understanding his style was understanding the settings of Brahms subjects. There are numerous aspects that offer insights into the Brahms’ choice and how it produced strong effect with the simplest means. Notably, Brahms placed ostinato movements at the end of his symphony.
An example of Brahms Fourth Symphony
One of the features in the composition is using ostinato patterns where there is a repeated bass line combined with continuous variations. The theme is repea...