Dreizehn Kanons

It is unknown when exactly Brahms wrote his 13 Kanons op. 113, a collection of 13 rounds for female voices. However, it is likely that the individual pieces were composed between 1859 and 1863 and for various occasions. In this period, Brahms did various counterpoint studies to which the rounds as one the strictest forms of counterpoint fit nicely. Another contributing factor around this time was Brahms’ work with the newly founded Hamburger Frauenchor [Hamburg Female Choir]. Some of the rounds can be found in the part books of this ensemble. The “innocent, small, amorous lines that should be sung lightly and joyfully by pretty girls” were not published until 1891. For the whole set, Brahms received the formidable salary of 6000 marks. As well as using lines by famous writers, Brahms drew lyrics from folk songs, too.