MI: LIBRARY: PEOPLE: BRAHMS

Johannes Brahms
May 7, 1833 -to- April 3, 1897
Romantic
Piano
German

Son to Jakob Brahms, a musician of the horn and double-bass, Johannes was like many famous composers in that he displayed musical talents very early in his life. After being introduced to the piano by his father, Brahms was sent to a piano instructor, F.W. Cossel, at age 7. After instructing him for several years, Cossel sent young Brahms to his teacher, Eduard Marxsen.

Between his fourteenth and sixteenth birthdays, Brahms earned money for his family through “gigs” at local inns. All the while, he continued to perform and compose and would eventually meet a violinist with whom he would perform at successful concerts. In 1853, Brahms was brought to the attention of the composer, Schumann, who would make Brahms a respected name in the world of music and also make troubles for Brahms with other musicians.

Conservative Schumann held conflicts with the beliefs and styles of other well-known musicians/composers including Liszt and Wagner. Ultimately, Brahms would chose to remain loyal to his dear friend, Schumann, and when Schumann became mentally ill Brahms helped his family. Although a deep friendship came about between Brahms and Clara Schumann, Brahms would never marry any woman, as his attitude was rather unfit for marriage.

After trying various positions, Brahms visited Vienna and was successful to the point at which he chose to remain there. During his time in Vienna, his music was successful and the only excitements in his life were the conflicts he held with the supporters of Wagner who were among the few to criticize his music. Brahms went on to lead the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the music he chose was less conservative than that which had fueled his conflicts with Wagner. This confirms the belief that while a battle lasted between the “Brahmins” or supporters of Brahms, and the “Wagnerites” or supporters of Wagner, Brahms did have respect for the Wagner and spoke of him so.

During his time spent in Vienna, Brahms composed many successful pieces including piano and choral works. As time passed, the composer found himself becoming more and more of an orchestral composer so he would therefore go on to write many of the most famous symphonies of his time. After meeting the excellent clarinetist, Mühlfeld, in 1891, clarinet became a frequent main instrument in Brahms compositions.

Following his grief due to the death of Clara Schumann, Brahms himself became ill and his liver was found to be in awful condition. Brahms died of cancer in Vienna, less than a month after his final concert.

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