The Cello Sonata No. 2 in F major, Op. 99, was written by Johannes Brahms in 1886, more than twenty years after completing his Sonata No. 1. It was first published in 1887. It was written for, dedicated to and first performed by Robert Hausmann, who had popularised the First Sonata, and who would the following year be given the honour of premiering the Double Concerto in A minor with Joseph Joachim.

Musical description

There are four movements:

1. Allegro vivace
2. Adagio affettuoso in F-sharp major
3. Allegro passionato in F minor
4. Allegro molto

First movement

The Allegro vivace is a sonata form opening with a fragmented cello theme over a tremolo piano part.

Second movement

Adagio affettuoso, with the cello part opening in a slightly dissonant pizzicato exposition of the main theme over piano chords. The central section is in F minor.

Third movement

Allegro passionato in F minor, with an F major, more songful, trio section.

Fourth movement

Allegro molto - a rondo.

Notes

1. ^ "About - Johannes Brahms - Cello Sonata No.2 in F, Op.99". All Music Guide. 2008. Retrieved 2013-02-26. 
2. ^ IMSLP2 score.
3. ^ Woodstra, Chris; Brennan, Gerald; Schrott, Allen (2005). All music guide to classical music: the definitive guide to classical music at Google Books, page 191. Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 0-87930-865-6.
4. ^ Page 13 of 32 of IMSLP2 first score - first two bars of Adagio affettuoso.
5. ^ All music guide; IMSLP2 score.