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2024-05-01 14:09:35

Johannes Brahms

German composer, pianist, and conductor
German composer, pianist, and conductor
Johannes Brahms, a key figure of the mid-Romantic period, composed for various ensembles and was known for his virtuoso piano skills. Considered both traditional and innovative, his music influenced generations of composers.
1833-05-07
Birth of Johannes Brahms
Johannes Brahms, the renowned composer of the later Romantic period, was born in Hamburg, Germany. He was the second child out of three siblings, born to Johann Jakob Brahms and Johanna Henrika Christina Nissen Brahms. Despite being born into a modest family background with his father working as an innkeeper and musician, Brahms showed early musical talent.
1840-01-01
Early Music Studies of Johannes Brahms
In 1840, Johannes Brahms began his early music studies, laying the foundation for his future career as a composer and pianist. These formative years would shape his musical abilities and set him on the path to becoming one of the most influential figures in classical music.
1845
Johannes Brahms writes a piano sonata in G minor
At the age of 12, Brahms had written a piano sonata in G minor, showcasing his early talent and passion for composing music.
1847
Johannes Brahms makes his first public appearance as a solo pianist
In 1847, Brahms made his debut as a solo pianist in Hamburg, playing a fantasy by Sigismund Thalberg, marking the beginning of his career as a performer.
1848
Brahms' First Public Piano Recital
At the age of 15, Johannes Brahms performed his first public piano recital showcasing his musical talent.
1849
Dedication of Piano Concerto in B-flat to Edward Marxsen
Johannes Brahms dedicated his Piano Concerto in B-flat to his composition teacher Edward Marxsen as a tribute to his mentor's guidance and influence.
1850
Brahms partners with Hungarian violinist Eduard Remenyi
In 1850, Johannes Brahms collaborated with the Hungarian violinist Eduard Remenyi, who introduced him to the music and style of gypsy culture.
1851
Meeting with Remenyi
In 1851 or the early 50's, Johannes Brahms met Hungarian violinist Remenyi, sparking his interest in Hungarian music. This encounter later inspired Brahms to compose pieces like the famous 'Hungarian Dance'. They collaborated on compositions and went on tours together around Germany.
1853
Encounter with Joachim, Liszt, and Schumann
During a tour with Remenyi, Brahms met Joseph Joachim, a German violinist and friend, Franz Liszt, a renowned composer, and Robert Schumann, a composer and critic. Schumann's support and introduction to the public greatly influenced Brahms' career. They developed friendships, and Brahms composed works for Schumann.
1854
Brahms rushes to Dusseldorf to aid Schumann
Upon hearing of Schumann's nervous breakdown, Brahms immediately traveled to Dusseldorf to support the family. This act of compassion marked a significant moment in their relationship.
1856-07-29
Robert Schumann's Death and Clara Schumann
On July 29, 1856, composer Robert Schumann passed away. His wife Clara Schumann, a talented musician herself, played a significant role in Brahms' life and career. The Schumanns' support and influence had a lasting impact on Brahms' musical journey.
1857
Premiere of two serenades by Johannes Brahms
In 1857, Johannes Brahms premieres two serenades in the ducal court of Detmold.
1859-01-22
Premiere of Brahms's First Piano Concerto
The premiere of Brahms's First Piano Concerto in Hamburg on January 22, 1859, with Brahms as the soloist, was poorly received by the audience. Despite the negative reaction, Brahms continued to work on his compositions and established relationships with other publishers.
1860
Brahms's Intervention in the Debate on the Future of German Music
In 1860, Brahms intervened in the debate on the future of German music by preparing an attack on Liszt's followers, the 'New German School'. The leaked draft led to public ridicule, and Brahms decided to refrain from further public musical polemics.
1862
Brahms's First Visit to Vienna
In autumn 1862, Brahms made his first visit to Vienna, where he became associated with members of Wagner's circle and notable figures in the music scene. This visit marked the beginning of Brahms's connections in Vienna and his interest in Wagner's music.
1863-01
Meeting Richard Wagner
In January 1863, Brahms met Richard Wagner for the first time and played his Handel Variations Op. 24 for him. Despite a cordial meeting, Wagner later made critical comments about Brahms's music. Brahms, however, maintained an interest in Wagner's music.
1864-06
Brahms leaves the choir to focus on composing
In June 1864, Brahms decided to leave the choir position at Wiener Singakademie as it was taking too much time away from his composing. This allowed him to dedicate more time to his own musical creations.
1865-01-31
Composition of German Requiem
On January 31, 1865, Johannes Brahms' mother passed away, inspiring him to compose the 'German Requiem' which became a significant piece in his musical career.
1868
Completion of Deutsches Requiem
In 1868, Johannes Brahms completed his epic Deutsches Requiem, a piece he had been working on since 1857. The Requiem was first performed in Bremen Cathedral and in complete form in Leipzig in February 1869, marking a significant milestone in Brahms' career.
1869
Wagner attacks Brahms in the press
In 1869, after Brahms moved to Vienna, the composer Richard Wagner attacked him in the press out of jealousy.
1871
Johannes Brahms completes Deutsches Requiem
In 1871, Johannes Brahms completed his epic composition, Deutsches Requiem.
1872-02-11
Death of Brahms' Father
Johannes Brahms' father passed away when Brahms was about 38 years old in February 11th, 1872.
1873
Johannes Brahms appointed conductor of Vienna Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde
In 1873, Johannes Brahms was appointed as the conductor of the Vienna Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde.
1875
Antonín Dvořák Awarded First Prize for Symphony Composition
In 1875, Antonín Dvořák was awarded first prize for his symphony composition by a competition jury that included Johannes Brahms. Brahms had been a mentor to the young Czech composer and had recommended him to his publisher.
1876-01-01
Completion of Brahms' 1st Symphony
In 1876, Johannes Brahms completed his 1st symphony after years of hard work. Hans von Bülow praised it by comparing it to Beethoven's 10th Symphony.
1877-01-01
Production of Brahms' 2nd Symphony
Johannes Brahms' 2nd symphony was produced in 1877.
1878
Violin Concerto Op. 77
Brahms dedicated his Violin Concerto Op. 77 to Joachim and consulted closely with him during its composition.
1879
Composition of Violin Concerto
Johannes Brahms composed his renowned violin concerto in 1879, which further established his reputation as one of the greatest living composers of the 19th century.
1880
Composition of Second Piano Concerto
After spending his summers in Bad Ischl in Upper Austria, Brahms composed the Second Piano Concerto in 1880.
1881
Academic Festival Overture Opus 80
A musical piece composed by Johannes Brahms in 1881. It is a lively and celebratory orchestral work that incorporates various academic songs and melodies.
1882
Creation of Second Piano Concerto
In 1882, Johannes Brahms completed his second piano concerto, a work that garnered acclaim and solidified his status as a prominent composer of his era.
1883
Completion of Brahms's Third Symphony
Brahms completed his Third Symphony in 1883, adding another masterpiece to his repertoire.
1885
Premiere of Symphony No.4 in E minor Opus 98
The Symphony No.4 in E minor Opus 98 by Johannes Brahms was premiered in 1885.
1889
Acceptance of the Freedom of Hamburg
In 1889, Johannes Brahms accepted the Freedom of Hamburg, which was a significant honor bestowed upon him. Despite his aversion to snobbery and empty honors, he chose to accept this recognition.
1890
Contemplating End of Music Career
In the 1890s, Johannes Brahms considered giving up composing and destroyed many unfinished or deemed 'not good enough' pieces. However, he did not retire from music for long and continued to create new compositions.
1891
Meeting Richard Muhlfeld
In the late 1880s or 1891, Johannes Brahms met clarinet player Richard Muhlfeld, who inspired him to incorporate the clarinet into some of his compositions such as The Trio in A Minor, Op. 114 and 2 sonatas. While other composers overlooked the clarinet, Brahms successfully utilized it in his works.
1895-09
Meningen Music Festival in Germany
The Meningen Music Festival in Germany dedicated over two weeks of performances to the music of three composers, Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, with Brahms being 62 years old at the time, which was considered a great honor for a living composer.
1896-01-10
Brahms Conducts Academic Festival Overture and Piano Concertos
On 10 January 1896, Brahms conducted the Academic Festival Overture and both piano concertos in Berlin. During the celebration, he interrupted Joachim's toast with a tribute to Mozart.
1897-04-03
Johannes Brahms passed away
Johannes Brahms, known for his contributions to classical music as a composer, conductor, and pianist, passed away in April 1897.
1902
Publication of Chorale Preludes for Organ
Brahms' chorale preludes for organ, Op. 122, written shortly before his death, were published posthumously in 1902. These compositions have since become significant pieces in the organ repertoire.
1933
Schoenberg writes 'Brahms the Progressive'
In 1933, Arnold Schoenberg wrote an essay titled 'Brahms the Progressive', which highlighted Brahms's fondness for motivic saturation and irregularities of rhythm and phrase. This essay contributed to a re-evaluation of Brahms's reputation in the 20th century.
1963
Johannes Brahms: His Work and Personality
A book written by Hans Gál that explores the work and personality of the renowned composer Johannes Brahms.
1971
Publication of 'Complete Shorter Works for Solo Piano' by Johannes Brahms
In 1971, Johannes Brahms' complete shorter works for solo piano were published by Dover Publications. This collection showcases the musical genius of Brahms in a condensed format.
1974
Publication of Works by Johannes Brahms & Hans Gal
In 1974, works by Johannes Brahms and Hans Gal were published by Dover Publications. The collaboration between the two composers resulted in a significant contribution to the music world.
1981
Brahms: His Life and Work
Karl Geiringer's third edition book that delves into the life and work of the composer Johannes Brahms.
1998
The Lives of the Great Composers
A book by Harold C. Schonberg published in 1998, providing insights into the lives of great composers.
1999
Publication of 'Johannes Brahms: A Biography' by Jan Swafford
In 1999, Jan Swafford's biography of Johannes Brahms was published by Vintage. The book provides insights into the life and works of the renowned composer.
2000-09-14
Brahms honored in the Walhalla memorial
On September 14, 2000, Johannes Brahms was honored in the German hall of fame, the Walhalla memorial, as the 13th composer among the 'rühmlich ausgezeichneter Teutscher'. A bust of Brahms was unveiled at the memorial.
2004
The Lives and Times of the Great Composers
A book by Michael Steen published in 2004, offering a detailed look at the lives and times of great composers.
2017
Melodious dog joins star pianist Angela Hewitt in a howling Brahms duet
In 2017, a video went viral showing a melodious dog joining star pianist Angela Hewitt in a howling Brahms duet.
2020
The Encyclopedia of Music
A comprehensive encyclopedia by Max Wade-Matthews and Wendy Thompson published in 2020, covering various aspects of music.
2022
Illustrated History of Great Composers
An illustrated history book by Wendy Thompson scheduled to be released in 2022, focusing on great composers.
2024-05-30
Delta Classical featuring Stutzmann + Trifonov
A classical music event called Delta Classical featuring performances by Stutzmann and Trifonov. The event includes a rendition of Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 2.
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Johannes Brahms

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Johannes Brahms

German composer, pianist, and conductor
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