Description
In spring 1865, Brahms surprised his friends and acquaintances by composing 16 lively little waltzes for piano four-hands. The following April, he informed his friend, the renowned critic Eduard Hanslick, that his inspiration for the pieces had been "of Vienna and its pretty girls" - a sentiment reflected in their light, cheerful, almost "Schubertian" character. These beloved waltzes remain immensely popular today, particularly for home music-making. Brahms later transcribed the works for piano two-hands as well (see editions HN 1286, 1287).
