Early pieces reveal contrapuntal way of thinking.
Cross rhythms are one of Brahms's major characteristics. Fondness for low-pitched passages. Variations Out of the next seven piano publications, six are sets of variations with theme carried by the bass. No orchestral extravagance - three of the sixteen are in canon and several others involve major counterpoint. 21 No.2 Variation and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op.