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Among the few Brahmsian chamber pieces that also include wind instruments are the two Sonatas for clarinet and piano op. 120. In these works, however, there is an optionality between clarinet and viola, and in today's concert scene, it is almost more common to hear them in the viola than in the clarinet version. The 'Scherzo' from the F.A.E. Sonata was part of a Sonata for violin and piano composed as a collective homage to Joachim by Albert Dietrich (author of the first movement), Robert Schumann (Intermezzo and Finale) and Brahms (Scherzo). The abbreviation F. A. E. refers to Joachim's personal motto frei, aber einsam (free, but alone), but also corresponds to three musical notes and the motif thus derived is naturally used as a theme in various parts of the Sonata. Album Tracks 1. Sonata for Viola & Piano in F minor, Op. 120 No. 1-I. Allegro Appassionato 2. Sonata for Viola & Piano in F minor, Op. 120 No. 1-II. Andante Un Poco Adagio 3. Sonata for Viola & Piano in F minor, Op. 120 No. 1-III. Allegretto Grazioso 4. Sonata for Viola & Piano in F minor, Op. 120 No. 1-IV. Vivace 5. Sonata for Viola & Piano in E-Flat Major, Op. 120 No. 2-I. Allegro Amabile 6. Sonata for Viola & Piano in E-Flat Major, Op. 120 No. 2-II. Allegro Appassionato 7. Sonata for Viola & Piano in E-Flat Major, Op. 120 No. 2-III. Andante Con Moto - Allegro 8. Frei Aber Einsam in C minor for Viola and Piano Woo 2 Scherzo
