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Johannes Brahms’ Sonata in G Major, op. 78 is also known as the Rain Sonata because the theme in the finale movement is one from his earlier Regenlied (“Rain Song”), op. 59 No. 3. Brahms wrote this work for Clara Schumann, the wife of Robert Schumann, both good friends. Brahms fell in love with Clara and his love is expressed in the tender melodies of these three movements. The first movement marked Vivace ma non troppo (lively but not too fast) opens with a D note repeated three times in a dotted rhythm that reappears throughout the entire piece. The melody is carried by the violin which is another characteristic of this work but in the opening, is presented with chords in the piano creating homophonic texture. Aside from the restless development section in this first movement, the wistful mood set by the opening theme is felt throughout the sonata. Moving on, the key turns