Johannes Brahms

 Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), was one of the greatest German composers of the 19th century. He was born in Hamburg where his father was a double bass player in the civic orchestra. As a child, he revealed an outstanding genius and made his debut as a pianist at only age ten. He then left home at age 20, for a concert tour. Roeber Schumann was one who greatly believed in Brahms and was largely responsible for announcing his career as a ' man called forth to the ideal expression of the time'. 

However, his words had a profound effect and Brahms became known, and the publication of his works was eagerly awaited. From 1857-1859, he served as pianist and chord conductor for part of each year at the court of Detmold, and during the remaining months, he was also conductor for a women's choir so as to gain recognition and eventually a permanent position in his hometown ( or native city). But this was not the case. When the position for the Philharmonic concerts was open, five years late, Brahms was by passed and wasn't asked to fill it. This hurt him deeply and he eventually resolved to make his home in Vienna, Austria, where he was eagerly accepted and celebrated.

In 1863-64, he conducted the Viennese sungakedemie. In 1872, he was appointed artistic director of Vienna's Venerable Society of The Friends of Music., a position he held and resigned from to concentrate on his creative work. Since, the performance of the German Requiem in 1868, his fame steadily spread. All of his compositions were published  and frequently performed, earning him a fair income. 1n 1889, his hometown conferred on him it's "Honorary Freedom", in an attempt to correct an old wrong. Nevertheless, Brahms didn't return to his native country, but remained in Vienna, where he died on March 26, 1897.

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