The Most Important Composers Of The Nineteenth Century

Johannes Brahms was one of the most important composers of the nineteenth century. Although he is forever enshrined in music history as one of the three B’s (Along with Beethoven, and Bach), Brahms’ contribution to the musical world is far greater than just the letter B. (â€Å"Self Confidence† par. 9) From his works in orchestral music (such as his four symphonies, and concertos) to his piano, chamber, and choral music, all of these have had a meaningful impact the world of music, both in the nineteenth century, and today. (Sandberger par. 1) Johannes Brahms was born in Hamburg, Germany on May 7, 1833, to Johanna Nissen and Johann Brahms. (â€Å"Museum† par. 1)At the age of 7, Brahms began studying Piano under Otto Marxsen, and Eduard Maxsen.†¦show more content†¦In 1864, these words came to life in Brahms’ first piece, German Requiem. Inspired by the death of his mother in 1865, he selected bible verses himself for the piece, (Forney 244) and it would be the piece that launched him into stardom. Clara Schumann even remarked: â€Å"Seeing Johannes standing there with the wand in hand, I had to think over and over of my dear Robert’s prophecy, ‘let him wave his magic wand and have his way with chorus and orchestra’ that today came to fulfillment.† (Sandberger par. 5) In 1871, Brahms moved into an apartment in Vienna, Austria, and soon became very successful (in part due to his status as heir to Robert Schumann who passed away in 1856, and the relative fame of his composition German Requiem). (Forney 244) A year later Brahms would become the director of the Viennese choral society Singakademie. (â€Å"Museum† par.15) Brahms also traveled widely during this period. He would regularly visit various cities in Germany, Italy, and Austria, and these would serve as the composing sights for many of his most famous works. In 1889 Brahms became an honorary citizen of the city of Hamburg, and was inducted into the Leopold Order by Austrian Emperor Franz Josef I that same year. (â€Å"Museum† par. 29) By 1895, Brahms had conducted his last concert, and one year later his lifelong friend Clara Schumann passed away. (â€Å"Museum† par. 36). Not too