The piano work opus 118 of Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was written in 1983, which was during a period of time when the composer was grieving over the loss of close family and friends in his life. This music piece seems to reflect Brahms’ deep sorrow for the fragility of human life.

This thesis will discuss this piano work in four chapters. By introducing the composer’s personality and life provides a background to understand his musical style and the lyrical tone color that is full of emotions. Music to Brahms was the most faithful media to expresses his abundant heart. In addition to the composer’s life, the thesis will include musical analysis of this piece. The uses of harmony, motive, dynamic, tempo, musical language, the interrelationship between the six pieces and the musical structure will be studied to develop a thorough understanding of the style of the later works of Brahms. Moreover, the third chapter focuses on performance practice and interpretation. Some interpretation matters such as tempo, tone color, dynamic, phrasing will be discussed. To conclude this thesis work, a summary of each chapter along with the author’s input in interpretation will be included in the last chapter.

The concert program:

D.Scarlatti:3 piano sonata k.394 k.208 k.15

L.V.Beethoven:piano sonata No.27,op.90

J.Brahms:6 klavierstucke op.118

I.Albeniz:Iberia Evocacion

Rondena