Composers Corner: Johannes Brahms

Johannes Brahms (May 7, 1833 - April 3, 1897) grew up in Hamburg, Germany. His father was a musician who played string bass other string instruments, and the horn. Brahms had a younger brother and sister. He first began music lessons on the piano, violin, and cello with his father. When he was seven, he began formal piano lessons with a series of local teachers. He gave his first recital at 10 years old, playing Mozart and Beethoven. He also had started composing and wrote a piano sonata by age 12. He continued his composition efforts and piano lessons, giving a few local recitals but not really becoming known as a performer. He also wrote piano works, chamber music, and some choral music as a teenager.

In 1862, Brahms moved to Vienna, Austria where he would live for the rest of his life. He held a number of conducting positions there and also continued composing.

In 1868 his large choral work "A German Requiem" was recognized as a great work across Europe and he followed it up with a number of other successful compositions including the "Hungarian Dances", a number of songs, chamber works, and his first symphony.

Brahms was now known as an important composer and met with many of the most famous composers of the era. He changed his appearance around this time, growing a large beard. Brahms became successful as a composer, although he preferred to live a very simple life. He gave away a lot of money, often secretly helping young musicians.