JOHANNES BRAHMS

~A Composer~

Early Life

Born: May 7th 1833 Grew up in Hamburg, Germany

Started playing the piano at very young age

First teacher of music was his father

First Performances

Johannes Brahms Had to play the piano at brothels and other very slimy places in Hamburg in order to make some money because his family was so poor.

He would often play the piano in bars were he was touched inappropriately by prostitutes.

A Real Performance

At age 19, went on more reputable tour playing piano.

People began to accept him as an accomplished musician. His talent really came out when he was able to freely express himself.

The Schumann’s

Robert and Clara Brahms performed for the Schumann’s at

their home. Robert wrote in personal journal, “visit from

Brahms, a genious.” Robert wrote about Brahms in a reputable

music journal Robert and Clara helped mold Brahms into

the composer he became.

Role Models

Brahms had many different role models that influenced his work. Perhaps the most important was that of his parents. His father was a musician that played many

different instruments and was instrumental in teaching his son the art of music at a young age.

Brahms mother was also a huge influence in his life. His first major composition, A German Requiem, was influenced by the death of his mother.

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Ludwig Van Beethoven was perhaps the most influential person to Brahms besides his parents.

Many of Brahms compositions were very similar to that of Beethoven’s.

Brahms had a statue of Beethoven that looked down upon him as he was composing new music.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozartand Joseph Haydn Mozart was another one of Brahms role

models with his composition of over 600 works.

Brahms collected autographed first editions of both Mozart and Haydn’s work.

Brahms First Symphony

Brahms first symphony premiered in 1876 which made him incredibly well known.

With the success of his first symphony, Brahms gained to courage and conviction to complete other projects that he had started.

He went on to compose three other symphonies.

Opus 32

Johannes Brahms Opus 32 is what I chose to do my listening guide on.

Nine short songs all written in Brahms native language of German.

Songs talk about love, life, time and commitment.

Opus 32: song 1

Song 1: ‘How I roused myself in the night.’ A song that asks the question where has all

of my time gone. (F minor)

Slow buildup in song Vocal Repetition Piano Repetition Piano takes song out

Opus 32: Song 2

Song 2: ‘To Visit You no Longer.’ A song that talks about the true feelings

and meaning of love. (D Minor) Piano solo at beginning Very low notes for piano Vocals are repetitive Volume rises and drops like a roller

coaster

Opus 32: Song 3

Song 3: I Creep About Sad and Mute.’ Talks about the gloomy feeling that

everyone gets sometimes. (D Minor) Melody begins upbeat and bright Volume continues to rise throughout song Repetition throughout

Opus 32: Song 4

Song 4: ‘The Stream that Rushed Past Me.’ Similar to first song because it talks about a

stream rushing by like the passing of time. (C Sharp Minor) Bass notes begin the song Vocals and piano seem out of sync at first Vocals build throughout song Vocals and piano descend together to bring

song to close

Opus 32: Song 5

Song 5: ‘Alas, Again so you would imprison me.’ Overcoming physical desire and want. (B

Minor) Repetion on piano begins song Cycle between left and right hand on piano Twirling melody on piano Repetition of both vocals and piano

Opus 32: Song 6

Song 6: ‘You Say That I Deluded Myself.’ Love that has passed. (C Minor)

Left and right hand in perfect harmony to begin Right hand harmony with vocals Introduction repeated several times

Opus 32: Songs 7-9

Song 7: ‘You Are Thinking of Something Bitter to Say.’ The singer can’t be offended by the words

of his former love. Song 8: ‘So We Stand, I and My

Mistress.’ The singer is still at peace with whatever

his former love might say about or to him. Song 9: How Blissful You Are, My Queen.’

The blissful union of a man and woman deeply in love

Brahms decided to take a break from composing and travel the world to see other cultures.

He enjoyed being outside and one with nature, which is another characteristic that he shared with his role model, Ludwig Van Beethoven.

Brahms was named an honorary citizen of Hamburg in 1889.

Life After Composing

In 1890, at the age of 57, Brahms decided that he was going to give up composing.

He wanted to spend more time outside enjoying what our earth had to offer.

This decision did not last long though, Brahms continued composing.

He loved music and he could not live a life without it.

On April 3rd 1897, Brahms died of either liver or pancreas cancer. Although he is gone, his music continues to live on and we can learn and be inspired by it still today.

Resources

"Johannes Brahms." Johannes Brahms (2008): n. pag. Web. 5 Feb 2011. <http://www.classicalarchives.com/work/5876.html#tvf=tracks&tv=about>

"Johannes Brahms." Johannes Brahms (2007): n. pag. Web. 7 Feb 2011. <http://www.recmusic.org/lieder/get_text.html?TextId=18616>.

"9 Lieder." (2009): n. pag. Web. 7 Feb 2011. <http://imslp.org/wiki/9_Lieder_and_Songs,_Op.32_(Brahms,_Johannes)>.