Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
German pianist and the last great composer in the Classical tradition, romantic but refined and controlled. He revived "absolute" music over story-telling "program" music. He loved and used German folk song. He lived in Vienna after 1868. Photographed here in 1853 at age 20.
"Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed
shaken in the wind."
"Passions are not natural to mankind. They are always exceptions or excrescences. The ideal, genuine man is calm in joy and calm in pain and sorrow."
Best known works: Four symphonies, German Requiem, chamber music