Johannes Brahms

Johannes Brahms, celebrated as one of the giants of classical music, stands shoulder-to-shoulder with luminaries like Bach and Beethoven. These maestros are often referred to collectively as the “Three Bs” of classical music.

While Brahms rooted his compositions in the time-tested structures of classical masterpieces, the fiery passion behind each note declared him a true genius of the Romantic era. Beyond the repertoire of over 200 songs, his compositions primarily fall into the realm of “absolute music”—transcending narrative, they’re pure, unadulterated musical expressions.

Born in 1833 in Hamburg, Germany, Johannes Brahms would later establish a significant career in Vienna, Austria, as a composer, pianist, and conductor. But it was in Hamburg that his musical journey began. His father, an orchestral double bass player, was his first guide into the world of music. One of his early piano instructors believed Brahms could have become an even more exceptional pianist had he not been so captivated by composing.

By age 14, Brahms had made his debut as a pianist. Soon after, he began featuring his own compositions and arrangements in his performances. As a virtuoso, he maintained this tradition, often premiering his original works.

In his young years, Brahms formed a deep bond with violinist Joseph Joachim, a friendship that would last a lifetime. Brahms composed several pieces for Joachim, including his Violin Concerto and the Double Concerto for violin and cello.

Through Joachim, a 20-year-old Brahms was introduced to the esteemed musical couple, Robert and Clara Schumann. The pair immediately recognized Brahms’s prodigious talent. Robert Schumann’s public endorsement of Brahms as a “young eagle” and an heir of Beethoven in a widely read article marked a turning point in Brahms’s career.

However, just as Brahms’s star began to rise, Robert Schumann’s mental health declined. After a suicide attempt, Schumann was institutionalized, with Clara denied visitation rights. During this challenging time, Brahms became a crucial link between the couple, dedicating his Variations on a Theme of Schumann to Clara as a gesture of support.

The depth of the bond between Brahms and Clara Schumann has been a subject of much speculation. Regardless of its nature, their profound connection is undeniable. Following Robert Schumann’s passing in 1856, neither Clara nor Brahms ever married. Their close relationship endured until Clara’s death in 1896.

At age 21, Brahms started composing his First Symphony. However, it wasn’t until he was 43 that it premiered, likely due to the weighty expectation of him being seen as Beethoven’s successor. Its fourth movement is particularly lauded for its enthralling blend of grandeur, intrigue, and underlying darkness.

Though initially overshadowed by previous symphonies—Wagner even labeled it “Beethoven’s 10th”—Brahms’s subsequent symphonies established their own legacies. The Symphony No. 3 stands out, with its third movement making appearances in TV shows, movies, and even the 2012 London Olympics.

Brahms’s oeuvre is vast, spanning songs, concerti, chamber music, piano pieces, and choral works. His Piano Concerto No. 1, unveiled when he was 25, faced initial skepticism but has since become one of the world’s most revered piano concertos. Grieving his mother’s passing at 35, he crafted A German Requiem, an expansive choral work. Audiences were also charmed by his sprightly waltzes and the vibrant Hungarian Dances for piano duets.

While Brahms’s innovations might appear subtler compared to contemporaries like Wagner, his mastery is beyond debate. Recognized for finely detailed, melodically rich compositions, Brahms adeptly weaves drama with emotion.

Brahms passed away on April 3, 1897, aged 63. His final public appearance was mere weeks before his death, where he listened to Hans Richter conduct his Symphony No. 4.