Biography of Johannes Brahms

The need for perfection

7 may 1833
3 April 1897
Considered by many as the successor to Beethoven, so much so that his first Symphony was described by Hans von Bülow (1830-1894, conductor, pianist and composer from German) as the tenth Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms was born in Hamburg on day 7 January 1833. The second of three children, her family is of humble origins, his father Johann Jakob Brahms is popular musician-instrumentalist (flute, Horn, violin, double bass) and it is thanks to him that the young Johannes approaches to music. His mother, a professional seamstress, is separated from his father in 1865. The young Brahms reveals a precocious musical talent. He began studying piano at the age of seven years, attending lectures of Horn and cello. Among his teachers there will be Otto Friedrich Willibald Cossel and Eudard Marxsen. Her first public performance dates back to 1843, when he's only ten years old. Until the age of thirteen plays, like his father, in the clubs of Hamburg and, later, giving piano lessons, thus contributing to the household budget. At twenty he undertook a major tour with violinist Eduard Remény. Brahms in 1853 makes some meetings that will be very important in her life: knows the great violinist Joseph Joachim, with whom he began a long and fruitful collaboration. Joachim presents him then to Franz Liszt: it seems that Brahms was asleep while performing Liszt. The young Brahms Schumann introduces home always Joachim, whose meeting will be crucial.
Immediately and unconditionally Robert Schumann considered Brahms a genius so much that it designates (in "Neue Zeitschrift für Musik" founded by him) as the musician of the future. Johannes Brahms for its part will consider Schumann his one and true master, remaining close to him devotedly until his death. Brahms will never get married, but will remain very attached to his widow, Clara Schumann, in a relationship of deep friendship that would have confined with a passion. The ten years following see Brahms intent to deepen the compositional problems, pledging Meanwhile first in Detmold and then in Hamburg as choirmaster. The concert of Brahms continues for nearly two decades (often together with Joachim) in parallel to the work as a composer and conductor. His great passion are stays that allow it to perform long and relaxing walks in the countryside, and that are profitable opportunity to focus to draw up new melodies. In 1862 he moved to Vienna and the following year became his main place of residence. In Vienna is much appreciated: intertwined friendships (including the critic Eduard Hanslick) and decides to fix firmly by 1878 his residence. Here is his only meeting with Wagner. In 1870, he met Hans von Bülow, great Director who will become his close friend in addition to profound admirer.
Because of his need of perfection, Brahms will be slow to write, publish and perform their important works. His first Symphony is performing only in 1876, when the master has already 43 years. Over the last twenty years of his life he dedicated himself to Brahms ' composition: these were the years of the major orchestral works (the other three Symphonies, the Violin Concerto, Piano Concerto No. 2 and its rich catalog of Chamber music masterpieces). As was the case for the father, Johannes Brahms dies of cancer: is the 3 April 1897. He died a few months after her friend, Clara Schumann. His body was buried in the cemetery of Vienna, the area dedicated to musicians.
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.