Brahms

Johannes Brahms was born on 7 May, 1833 in 

Hamburg. His father was a double bass player 

with the Hamburg opera, and recognised

 Johannes' talent early on. Although the family 

was rather poor, a great emphasis was placed on education for all the

children, and Johannes studied the piano from the age of seven and

theory and composition from 13. His first public performance as a solo

pianist was in 1847 at the age of 14. By 1848 he had begun to make his

living by playing in taverns and dance halls. As Brahms matured, and

especially after he settled in Vienna in 1868, with its more relaxed

atmosphere, both Brahms and his music mellowed. As he grew older still,

an autumnal sadness crept into his compositions. Johannes Brahms died

on 3 April, 1897 of liver cancer.