Contents
Johannes Brahms
Composing symphonies, chamber music and A German Requiem that joined Romantic expression to classical form.
A German Requiem · Violin Concerto
- Born
- 7 May 1833
- Birthplace
- Hamburg, Germany
- Died
- 3 April 1897
More people
Johannes Brahms
Johannes Brahms was a German composer and pianist whose career centred on Vienna. His music ranges from intimate songs to large orchestral and choral works.
Early life
Hamburg beginnings
His musician father introduced him to music, and he studied piano with Otto Cossel and Eduard Marxsen.
Early performance
Played public recitals as a teenager before finding influential musical friendships on tour.
Career
- 1853
Schumann’s support
Met Robert and Clara Schumann; Robert publicly championed the young composer.
- 1860s
Vienna career
Developed a base in Vienna, combining composition with conducting and performance.
- 1876
First Symphony
Unveiled his long-developed First Symphony and went on to complete three more.
Selected work
A German Requiem
Its major Bremen performance established a choral work focused on consolation for the living.
Violin Concerto
A substantial concerto written for his friend Joseph Joachim.
Symphony No. 4
His final symphony concludes with variations built on a repeating bass pattern.
Beyond work
Clara Schumann
Maintained a close lifelong friendship with the pianist after Robert Schumann’s death.
Supporting Dvořák
Helped Antonín Dvořák reach the publisher Simrock, supporting a younger composer’s wider recognition.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: C. Brasch , Berlin ( biography ). Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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