The Brahms Intermezzi , Opus 117, No. 1,2,3 form a cycle of programmatic piano works. Brahms called these three intermezzi, "three lullabies to my sorrows." The first two intermezzi were inspired by the ancient english poem, "Lady Ann Bothwell's Lament" by Herder. It has been stated by one source that the Intermezzo No. 3 was also based on one of Herder's poems. However, it is most likely that this intermezzo was inspired by the poem, "Victor Galbraith" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Through harmonic, rhythmic and textural variation, Brahms vividly interpreted the text expressed in these poetic works.

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