Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) was a towering figure in the Romantic era of classical music, renowned for his profound understanding of musical structure and romantic expressiveness. Born in Hamburg, Germany, Brahms was a child prodigy, beginning his musical journey under the guidance of his father, a double bassist. His talent at the piano was evident early on, and he soon started composing music while also performing at local events. Brahms's first significant breakthrough came when he embarked on a concert tour as accompanist to the Hungarian violinist Eduard Reményi, where he was introduced to the composer Robert Schumann. Schumann, along with his pianist wife Clara, became lifelong friends and influential figures in Brahms's career.

Brahms's rich body of work encapsulates a range of music from symphonies, concerti, and chamber music to piano works, choral compositions, and art songs. His stringent self-critique meant that he published only works that met his exacting standards, resulting in a catalog celebrated for its quality. Some of his most admired compositions include his four symphonies, two piano concertos, Violin Concerto, the "German Requiem", and numerous chamber works. Brahms's music is characterized by its emotional depth, technical command, and a synthesis of classical forms with romantic sensibility. Despite the adulation Brahms received during his lifetime and beyond, he maintained a humble and reserved demeanor, allowing his music to speak for itself. His legacy has influenced countless composers and remains a staple of concert repertoires around the world.

Genres

Classical

German Romanticism

Late Romantic Era

Related Artists

Robert Schumann

Franz Schubert

Felix Mendelssohn

Gustav Mahler

Ludwig van Beethoven

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Edvard Grieg

Antonín Dvořák

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Richard Wagner

Richard Strauss

Anton Bruckner

Latest Release

The Great Symphonies: Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven, Schumann...

Otto Klemperer•

Anton Bruckner•

Antonín Dvořák•

Felix Mendelssohn•

Franz Schubert•

Gustav Mahler•

Hector Berlioz•

Johannes Brahms•

Joseph Haydn•

Ludwig van Beethoven•

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky•

Robert Schumann•

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Album - 81 Tracks - Released November 18, 2024