Biography about Johannes Brahms Essay Example

welcomed them warmly and displayed a genuine fascination for Brahms' musical compositions.

Liszt made an attempt to entice Brahms into joining his group of composers. However, Brahms politely declined the offer as he lacked any interest in Liszt's music. In fact, Joachim felt compelled to write a letter praising Brahms (1810-1856) which was addressed to the esteemed composer Robert Schumann.

In 1853, Brahms encountered Schumann and his wife, Clara. Schumann displayed immense admiration for the up-and-coming composers and authored an article lauding Brahms. Additionally, he aided in the publication of Brahms' inaugural composition. The subsequent year, 1854, saw Brahms called to Dusseldorf due to Schumann's suicide endeavor. As time passed, Brahms upheld a strong bond with Schumann.

He made a living by teaching piano privately and going on concert tours. Brahms became well-known as a song composer after performing two concerts with singer Julius Stockhausen. In 1858, Brahms' Piano piece was played in Leipzig, Hanover, and Hamburg while Joachim conducted. It was only well-received in Hamburg. In Hamburg, Brahms was appointed as the conductor of a choir belonging to a woman for whom he composed "Marienlieder."

Brahms became furious in 1860 upon hearing claims that all musicians were endorsing the experimental musical theories of the "New German" school, led by Liszt. He publicly criticized numerous musicians. Brahms then relocated to Hamburg and focused on composing songs. In 1863, he presented a concert in Vienna, Austria, aiming to familiarize Austrian society with his work. During this time, Brahms encountered the composer Richard Wagner (1813-1883).

Despite being criticized by Brahms in the press, Wagner's and Brahms' interest in each other's work occasionally grew. In 1863, Brahms became Singakademie's conductor in Vienna, but

he resigned just a year later. He then turned to composing songs as his main source of income. As his popularity and fame increased, Brahms focused more on composition with occasional performances and teaching. In 1865, his mother passed away.

Brahms devoted himself to composing the German Requiem in memory of his late wife. Over the following years, his compositional skills only grew stronger. Brahms' noteworthy works, such as the variation on a Paganini theme for piano and numerous song collections, gained recognition. His dedication to his craft sometimes caused him to sacrifice socializing with friends. In 1872, Brahms' father passed away shortly after a brief vacation. Following this, Brahms accepted the role of director at the Gesellschaft der Musikfeunde in Vienna.

Brahms composed songs and went on concert tours to improve his music. He also enjoyed taking long holidays, and during this time he had the financial means to perform whenever he wanted. In 1880, the University of Breslau offered Brahms a doctor’s degree in recognition of his composition of two orchestral pieces. By then, he had already become acquainted with Italy and continued to vacation there numerous times throughout his life.

Brahms, at the age of 57 in 1890, considered composing as his vacation. Despite his decision to give up composing, he was unable to resist the call of music and continued crafting recognized masterpieces until his last years. Unfortunately, Brahms passed away at the age of 63 on April 3, 1887, after battling cancer.

He was laid to rest in Vienna, specifically at the Zentralfriedhof.

Here are the cited sources:

1. Rutledge, Robb H. "A medical musical friendship:

Billroth and Brahms."Journal of surgical education 64.1 (2007): 5-6.