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Abstract
This study presents a pedagogical approach to Johannes Brahms's Sonatas for Violin and Piano, Opp. 78, 100, and 108. A brief biographical sketch of Brahms, along with a discussion of his relationships with several nineteenth-century violinists, and comments regarding the composition of his three violin sonatas (and the works' place within the sonata genre as a whole) provides historical context. Some concepts of nineteenth-century violin performance practice are also covered, particularly those related to the instructional content of Joseph Joachim and Andreas Moser's Violinschule. A main component of this study involves the application of both historical and modern day principles of tone production on the violin to especially lyrical passages from Brahms's sonatas. In addition, passages requiring more overtly challenging violin techniques are also examined. Suggested exercises and practice techniques are provided for both types of issues.