Brahms is often considered a composer whose instrumental works obscure their extramusical origins. However, in his early years, he displayed an openness to literary influences, particularly in the piano sonatas of 1852 and 1853, which alluded to literary sources. During this period, Brahms also composed four piano pieces entitled "Ballades."
In October 1853, he composed the Third Piano Sonata in F minor, which is considered the pinnacle of his early sonata compositions. With this sonata, Brahms pursued a novel approach, expanding the genre with almost symphonic dimensions. The opening movement, with its atmosphere reminiscent of a funeral march, gradually unfolds its musical development through interwoven rhythms and themes. Poetic features and vivid imagery emerge in the slow movement as well as in the "Retrospective," while the fourth movement, marked "Andante molto," combines somber timbres and combative keys.
The ballads also exhibit strong poetic references; the first explicitly alludes to the Scottish ballad "Edward." The pieces impress with their diversity of expression and intensity: No. 3 creates a dark atmosphere with intricately crafted melodies, while No. 4 adopts Brahms's characteristic style and unfolds a subtle development leading to a cheerful conclusion. These works reflect not only Brahms's compositional mastery but also his close connection to literary and poetic sources.