Johannes Brahms

(7 May 1833 – 3 April 1897) Johannes Brahms was a German composer, pianist and conductor of the Romantic period. Born in Hamburg, Brahms settled in Vienna.

Brahms wrote four symphonies, plus a number of chamber, choral and piano works. His requiem mass Ein Deutsches Requiem is among the best-loved works in the choral repertoire. His Violin Concerto, two piano concertos and his Variations on a Theme by Haydn are also concerthall favorites. He had a close inner circle of friends that included Robert Schumann’s widow Clara Schumann and the violinist Joseph Joachim, who advised him on various muscial matters. Always the perfectionist, he was known to destroy his own works when he thought they were of lesser quality.

He was both a traditionalist and an innovator. He adhered closely to classical forms late into the 19th century while finding clever ways to defy expectations. He loved to sit in beer gardens and listen to Hungarian Romani songs which, from a young age, had a powerful influence on his rhythms, melodies and harmonies.