Johannes Brahms

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Earning a coveted spot with the greats in music history, Johannes Brahms took the music world with force. A leading composer in the Romantic period, he brought back the classical styles popularized by previous composers. Although known for his symphonies and sonatas, he wrote over 200 works. Looking at the highlights of his life, his worldview, and his music, one sees the true person of Johannes Brahms.
The musical genius came into this world on May 7, 1833 in Hamburg, Germany to a poor family. Considering the fact that his father played various instruments, he got a musical start at a very young age. After proving his talents in music with his father, he studied under various tutors learning the piano, cello, and horn. In his studies, books opened up a completely new world for him and learning about folklore became his favorite. Playing for various places around his home helped supplement his family’s income during tight times. In 1853, at age 20, he met the legendary Robert Schumann who rightly prophesied him as the composer of the future. Shortly after, Robert dies and Brahms a...

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