Hungarian Dance No. 4 in F-sharp minor (WoO 1) Cover Image

Hungarian Dance No. 4 in F-sharp minor (WoO 1): Full Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

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Hungarian Dance No. 4 in F-sharp minor (WoO 1) Cover Image

Hungarian Dance No. 4 in F-sharp minor (WoO 1): Full Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

By Johannes Brahms, ed./arr. Paul Juon

Item: 36-A663102

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Description
Originally written for piano four hands in 1879, this set of 21 lively dance tunes, mostly on Hungarian themes, are among Johannes Brahms' most popular works today, and they were the most profitable for him in his own lifetime also. In 1850, Brahms was introduced to "gypsy-style" music through Hungarian violinist Ede Reményi, including the csárdás "Bártfai emlék" (Memories of Bártfa) by Hungarian composer Béla Kéler, which became the basis for Hungarian Dance No. 5. Arranged for many different instruments and ensembles over the years, this orchestration by Paul Juon of Hungarian Dances No. 4 was published in 1908. Instrumentation: 2(both dPicc).2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp: Hp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set). Reprint edition.

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Additional Details
Series: Kalmus Orchestra Library
Publisher: EDWIN F KALMUS
UPC: 612735760786
SKU: 36-A663102
Instrumentation: 2(both dPicc).2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp: Hp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set)

More about this title

About the Composer: Johannes Brahms

Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) spent much of his creative life in Vienna, where he became known as a symphonist, chamber composer, and keeper of classical forms in the Romantic era. His encounter with Hungarian violinist Ede Reményi in 1850 introduced him to the passionate, improvisatory character of Hungarian and gypsy music, an influence that would shape some of his most enduring works.

The Hungarian Dances emerged from this fascination and became Brahms' greatest popular success during his lifetime, despite his own reservations about their lighter character. These pieces showcase his gift for melody and rhythm while revealing how deeply he engaged with musical traditions beyond the German classical canon. For educators, they offer a window into how great composers absorbed and transformed folk idioms.

Why we love this

Juon's 1908 orchestration captures the visceral energy of the csárdás with brilliant colors and a lean, focused approach to instrumentation that keeps the folk character intact without overwhelming it. The part writing sits well across strings and winds, making it accessible to student orchestras while never sounding simplified. Programming this alongside works by Dvořák or Smetana builds a compelling narrative about Romantic nationalism.

What to expect

Exuberant and propulsive, with the spirited swagger of a folk celebration. The music moves through contrasting sections with the improvisatory feel of a csárdás, ranging from lilting passages to moments of rhythmic urgency, all wrapped in warm orchestral sonority.

Who it's for

Conductors leading intermediate to advanced student orchestras who want repertoire with immediate appeal and genuine musical substance. The piece works equally well for community orchestras seeking crowd-pleasing programming with real artistic merit.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the folksy character with orchestral refinement. This is not a novelty number; Brahms' harmonic sophistication runs beneath the surface.
  • The harp and timpani entries should sparkle without dominating. They punctuate rather than accompany.
  • Shape the opening melody with a singing approach, letting the viola line carry weight in the texture even when strings divide.
  • Tempo should feel unhurried enough to let the audience hear the three-part structure, especially any key pivots Brahms uses to propel momentum forward.

How to use it

Position this as a concert opener or closer where brightness and energy serve your program well. Pairing it with other Brahms works (a symphony or concerto) highlights the range of his output, while grouping it with Central European or Scandinavian repertoire creates thematic programming around folk sources in art music.

Skills your students will build

  • Rhythmic precision in syncopated folk idioms and csárdás meter
  • Ensemble coordination across divided string sections
  • Balance and transparency in Classical orchestration principles
  • Stylistic distinction between classical and folk-inflected musical language
  • Sectional independence while maintaining collective momentum

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