WFCC

Classical Fact

Some composers are renowned for dwelling on their work for long periods of time and pushing through countless revisions. Perhaps the most prominent example of this is the nearly 20 years it took Brahms to complete his First Symphony. He began sketching out movements when he was 22 years old and was nearly 43 when it was finished. Not only did the symphonic form intimidate Brahms but he was also fearful of comparisons with Beethoven. Brahms C minor Symphony number 1 was a success when it premiered. One conductor paid it the highest complement by dubbing the piece "Beethoven's Tenth".