Orchestration as a Means of the Synthesis of Classical and Romantic Approaches in Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto

The synthesis of ‘Classical’ and ‘Romantic’ concepts in the orchestration of Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto is discussed. The composer rethinks ways of presenting musical material in the orchestra by conceptualising both the ‘Classical’ orchestral structure (the size, the approach to the brass section) and the Romantic-like treatment of solos, alternations, etc. as unified domains.