Johannes Brahms (; German: [joˈhanəs ˈbʁaːms] ; 7 May 1833 – 3 April 1897) was a German composer, pianist, and conductor of the mid-Romantic period. His music features expressive counterpoint, freer dissonance, rhythmic vitality, and traditional forms. His works include four symphonies, four concertos, a Requiem, much chamber music, and hundreds of folk-song arrangements and Lieder (German art songs).
Born in Hamburg to a musical family, Brahms composed and performed locally in his youth before touring Central Europe as a pianist, premiering his own works and meeting Franz Liszt in Weimar. He worked with Ede Reményi and, through Joseph Joachim, gained Robert and Clara Schumann's support and guidance. He lived with Clara in Düsseldorf, becoming devoted to her amid Robert's voluntary commitment. After Robert's death, they remained close friends. Brahms never married, focusing on his work as a composer prone to self-criticism.
Though innovative, he was deemed conservative in the War of the Romantics, in which he regretted his involvement. But his works succeeded, gaining him a circle of supporters, friends, and musicians.
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