Johannes Brahms was a German composer of major works in all forms of music except opera. As a child, Brahms grew up in a poor family. Despite these hardships, Brahms worked hard to become a famous conductor of works by J.S. Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, and is close friend and mentor Robert Schumann.
One of the most beloved composers in the history of music, Johannes Brahms was one of the greatest symphonist to emerge after Beethoven. He was born in Hamburg in 1833 and was the son of a double bass player. He began playing the piano in clubs and bars at an early age. By the time he was twenty, he was also experimenting with composition. He traveled around Germany as the piano partner to violinist Eduard Remenyi. Brahms was introduced to Schumann, and Schumann was charmed by the talents of the Brahms. Schumann even wrote a laudatory article about him, calling him the "coming genius" of German music.
Brahms befriended Schumann and his wife Clara. When Schumann deteriorated into mental illness, Brahms was a supporter of Clara and he fell in love with her. However, there was never any relationships between the two and Brahms remained a bachelor for the duration of his life.As his reputation as a pianist and composer grew throughout Europe, Brahms toured and conducted concerts. As time grew on he began to write symphonies. He always created miracles of orchestration and melody.
By the end of his life, Brahms had won a reputation as one of the greatest composers in history. He was included in the phrase "the three B's" - Bach, Beethoven and Brahms.
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