Brahms was born in 1833 in Hamburg, Germany. He was born into a poor family. His skill in music was discovered at an early age, and he soon was performing in inns and for parties. As he grew older, Brahms was able to live off his earnings as a performer, composer, and conductor, unlike many composers. He was so engrossed in his music, however, that he didn't take very good care of himself. His clothes were too big, his hair was long and dirty, and often forgot to wear socks or his suspenders when he went out. Here are some important things you should know about Brahms:
Brahms learned music from his father when he was young.
He is from the Romantic Era.
He wrote in every musical style but Opera.
He was scared to write a symphony because he was intimidated by Beethoven. Beethoven wrote 9 great symphonies, and Brahms was worried his wouldn't be as good as Beethoven's.
He ended up writing four symphonies.
Inspired by the gypsies he traveled with and playing for a Hungarian violinist, Brahms composed 21 Hungarian Dances.
Brahms is considered one of the three B's of classical music, the other two being Bach and Beethoven.