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Academic Festival Overture




Brahms, who was known to be a curmudgeonly joker, filled his quota by creating a "very boisterous , two Flute s, two Oboe s, two Clarinet s, two Bassoon s, Contrabassoon , four Horns , three Trumpet s, Timpani , Bass Drum , Triangle , and Strings .

The Overture consists of four continuous sections:
  • ''Allegro'' (C minor)

  • ''Maestoso'' (C major)

  • ''Animato'' (E minor)

  • ''Maestoso'' (C major).


The composer himself Conducted the premiere at a special Convocation held by the University on January 4 , 1881 , to the chagrin (and mischievous delight) of many of the Academics in the audience. Due to its structural refinement, its lyrical warmth, as well as its excitement and humor, the work has remained a solid staple of today's concert-hall repertoire. A typical performance lasts around 10 minutes.


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