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 minor just for a moment creating an ominous sound until the dotted three-note motto returns and the strong and weak accents of the triple meter are evident. Brahms then creates a balance between the two instruments with counterpoint in the piano sharing melodic material back and forth with the violin. A relationship is formed between the left hand of the piano and the right hand of the piano, but also the left hand of the piano and the violin. With a gradual crescendo, the volume increases picking up momentum and still the accompaniment is kept clear and transparent so the tender melody is heard. The second theme enters stately and noble though while descending down a minor scale seems humbled as the notes become slower and lower until a full cadence. .
The next phrase begins the third theme with staccato notes played 2 against three creating a jumpy syncopated rhythm. Glances of the melodies prior appear in the notes played legato. Theme one returns this time in octaves played by the piano accompanied by the violin playing short staccato notes.