Composed in 1892, Johannes Brahms’ Three Intermezzi, Op. 117 represent some of the composer’s most intimate solo piano works. Described by Brahms himself as "three lullabies of my grief," these pieces reflect his affinity for the lullaby form. The first Intermezzo draws direct inspiration from the Scottish ballad "Lady Anne Bothwell's Lament," prefaced in the score by the poignant lines:
 
Baloo, my babe, lie still and sleep;
It grieves me sore to see thee weep.

This orchestration captures the vocal quality and rich harmonic textures of the original piano work, reimagined to illustrate the potential warmth of a large brass ensemble.