Johannes Brahms profile picture

Johannes Brahms

Frei...aber einsam.

About Me

"Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind."
My music epitomizes late 19th century German classicism -- and flows from the very mouth of GOD. "Straight-away the ideas flow in upon me, directly from God, and not only do I see distinct themes in my mind's eye, but they are clothed in the right forms, harmonies, and orchestration." Harumph!

My Interests

Editing music and collecting first editions of great works, long walks in the country, traveling, memorizing the Bible, frequenting Viennese taverns and brothels, insulting people. Passing out candy. Anonymous benefaction.

I'd like to meet:

Hm...does Clara Schumann have a little sister?
No?
Well, I'll tell you who I don't want to meet: "Those who enjoy their own emotionally bad health and who habitually fill their own minds with the rank poisons of suspicion, jealousy and hatred," for "as a rule [they] take umbrage at those who refuse to do likewise, and they find a perverted relief in trying to denigrate them."
“If there is anyone here whom I have not insulted, I beg his pardon.”

Music:

My 4 great symphonies (a symphony, after all, is no joke!), 2 piano concertos, violin concerto, double concerto, and, of course, Ein deutsches Requiem. Also many works for chamber ensembles and solo piano, and approximately 200 lieder. For a complete list of my works, please consult my Myspace Music page.

Books:

My biography has been written many times over. I highly recommend the versions by Karl Geiringer and Jan Swafford.

Heroes:

Bach, Mozart, Haydn...and, über alles:

ARCHENEMIES:

My Blog

Frei Aber Froh

...
Posted by Johannes Brahms on Sun, 27 May 2007 03:15:00 PST

On Robert Schumann's passing

...I shall probably never again experience anything so moving as the meeting between Robert and Clara.  He lay first for some time with closed eyes, and se knelt before him with greater calmness ...
Posted by Johannes Brahms on Thu, 06 Jul 2006 04:14:00 PST

Vienna, January 1869

(Confronted by suggestions for an opera-libretto, I make it clear that I will take no guff from these swine:My dear friend,    Unfortunately I can make no deduction from the huge sum of...
Posted by Johannes Brahms on Thu, 06 Jul 2006 04:04:00 PST