Tim Hu ([log in to unmask]) wrote:

>After the first 2 chords the composer presents a theme of 16 notes:
>A-C-F-A-G-F-A-E E-D-C-Bb-A-F-A-E.  I've always thought that the last E,
>in measure 6, would sound "better" if replaced by a G.  Is it just me?

Deryk Barker:

>Wasn't FAE Brahms's motto? Frei aber einsam (Free but alone)?

That's a possibility.  His most well-known motto must be F-Ab-F, "Frei aber
Froh" (Free (single) but happy).  You can find it in the third symphony.

Mikael
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