Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano by Brahms

Caitlin Yambao
Chicago, IL
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

I have had to lose so much because of my chronic illness. I am learning that I have my limitations and sometimes I need a lot of help. Fortunately, I have not lost the violin yet. The violin gives me a sense of freedom that I’ve lost in some ways because of my Hashimoto’s, and the violin has always been my voice.

In this sonata for violin and piano, the composer (Johannes Brahms) expresses a deep longing and yearning for the innocence, magic, and simplicity of childhood. This resonates with me, as I often feel this, especially in the worst moments of my illness, and the violin allows me to express this.

View video here.