Composed in 1892-93, Brahms’s piano pieces opp. 116 to 119 are the last collections that he wrote for the instrument. Particularly noteworthy is his use of ´small forms´ accompanied by a further increase in musical expression compared to his earlier works. In November 1892 Clara Schumann, probably the secret dedicatee of these pieces, confided to her diary that they were ´a true source of enjoyment, everything, poetry, passion, rapture, intimacy, full of the most marvellous effects [...]. In these pieces I at last feel musical life re-enter my soul, and I play once more with true devotion.´ After completing his op. 118 (BA 9630), Brahms, still in the resort town of Bad Ischl in the Salzkammergut region, wrote his final collection of piano pieces: the three intermezzos and rhapsody, op. 119. His publisher wanted to put a catchier name on the title page of the print, but Brahms remained adamant: ´I´m afraid I certainly cannot call them Monologues or Improvisations this time, try as I may. I suppose there is nothing left but ´Piano Pieces´!´