Composer Johannes Brahms Died On This Day in 1897

German composer and pianist Johannes Brahms died on this day in 1897.

Born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1833 Brahms first studied music with his father, a double-bassist in the municipal orchestra. At 7 years of age he was sent to study piano with Otto F. W. Cossel. After his piano performance at age 10, Cossel was so impressed with Brahms' musical abilities that he sent him to his former teacher Eduard Marxsen, who took Brahms on scholarship and taught him free of charge. Brahms' first composition lessons were also given by Marxsen.

In 1853 Brahms met the famous Hungarian violinist Eduard Reményi, they later embarked on a successful concert tour. During his time in Hannover, Brahms developed a friendship with the renowned violin virtuoso Joseph Joachim, who facilitated an introduction to Franz Liszt in Weimar. A momentous encounter occurred when he met Robert Schumann in Düsseldorf.

His signature works include 4 symphonies, 2 serenades, 2 overtures, 2 piano concertos, solo piano works, 2 clarinet sonatas, a clarinet quintet as well as a variety of Lieder (more than 200 songs).

His main contributions to the violin repertoire includes 3 violin sonatas, the F-A-E sonata, 4 piano trios, 3 string quartets a violin concerto and double concerto for violin and cello.

Brahms passed away from liver and pancreas cancer, aged 63 - and is buried in the Zentralfriedhof Central Cemetery, in Vienna.

ITZHAK PERLMAN | BRAHMS VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D MAJOR  | LAWRENCE FOSTER & THE PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA OF LONDON