Brahms and the principle of developing variation

In this analytical study of eighteen important works by Brahms, Walter Frisch makes skillful use of Schoenberg's provocative concept of 'developing variation'.

Frisch traces a genuine evolution through Brahms' compositions; he considers their relationship not only to each other, but also to significant works by Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Liszt, and Schoenberg.