Violin Sonata G major op. 78

The Sonata in G major owes its epithet “Rain Song Sonata” to two melodies from Brahms’ “Rain Songs” op. 59 nos. 3 and 4 which are quoted at the beginning of the last movement. An ornamental leaf with the first 24 bars of the “Adagio” was recently re-discovered and has been reproduced as a facsimile in this edition. It shows the connection between the work and Clara Schumann and her youngest son.

Felix, Brahms’ godson and a talented violinist, was seriously ill and died before the work was completed. In a letter of dedication on the reverse of the leaf, Brahms expresses his deepest sympathy and his best wishes. This single edition from the volume containing all of Brahms’ violin sonatas (HN 194) contains a preface by Wolfgang Sandberger, illuminating the genesis of the “Felix Sonata”.