Johannes Brahms' Father: The Musical Influence Behind the Maestro

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About Johannes Brahms

German composer and pianist Johannes Brahms turned 190 on May 7, 2023 and music lovers worldwide celebrated. Due to his meticulous craftsmanship, emotional depth and ability to blend classical forms with romantic harmonies and melodies, Johannes Brahms is considered to be one of the greatest Romantic composers. The musical genius of Brahms was greatly influenced by his father, Johann Jakob Brahms, who was also a composer. Every great composer has a person or thing that serves as a source of inspiration.

Who is Johannes Brahms' Father- Johann Jakob Brahms

• Johann Jakob Brahms, father of the famous composer Johannes Brahms, had a deep passion for music right from the beginning, despite facing challenges.
• Initially, Johann Jakob's father opposed his musical interests and didn't allow him to learn any instruments. He kept his musical dreams alive. Taking secret music lessons and playing with local musicians, he learned the violin, cello, and flute.
• When his hidden musical talents were discovered, he chose not to abandon his passion. Instead, he left home to pursue his musical dreams and arrived in Hamburg in 1826, a music hub.
• To sustain himself, Johann Jakob initially played music on the streets and in small bands at local bars. Over time, he learned that he was good at playing the double bass and he joined a band that played at the famous Alster Pavilion. He also joined the orchestras of the Stadttheater and the Philharmonic Society.

• In 1830, Johann Jakob's life took a big turn for the better. He became a Hamburg citizen and promised to be a good representative of the city. He also wanted to meet someone he could marry.
• What makes this story fascinating is Johann Jakob's proposal to Christiane, despite the notable age gap – she was 17 years older than him. This surprising proposal not only amazed those around them but also Christiane herself. However, she accepted, starting a chain of events that would change their lives.
• Johann Jakob Brahms, father of the renowned composer Johannes Brahms, had a deep passion for music right from the beginning, despite facing challenges.
• Initially, Johann Jakob's father opposed his musical interests and didn't allow him to learn any instruments. He kept his musical dreams alive. Taking secret music lessons and playing with local musicians, he learned the violin, cello and flute.
• When his hidden musical talents were discovered, he chose not to abandon his passion. Instead, he left home to pursue his musical dreams and arrived in Hamburg in 1826, a music hub.
• To sustain himself, Johann Jakob initially played music on the streets and in small bands at local bars. Over time, he learned that he was good at playing the double bass and he joined a band that played at the famous Alster Pavilion. He also joined the orchestras of the Stadttheater and the Philharmonic Society.
• In 1830, Johann Jakob's life took a big turn for the better. He became a Hamburg citizen and promised to be a good representative of the city. He also wanted to meet someone he could marry.
• What makes this story fascinating is Johann Jakob's proposal to Christiane, despite the notable age gap – she was 17 years older than him. This surprising proposal not only amazed those around them but also Christiane herself. However, she accepted, starting a chain of events that would change their lives.
• Brahms was born from this marriage. Johannes Jakob is special to the Brahms family for his artistic passion, son support, and musical adventures.

Johannes Brahms' Mother

• The love story of Johann Jakob Brahms and Christiane Nissen unfolds in 19th-century Hamburg, Germany, where two remarkable individuals crossed paths.
• Christiane, born into a lineage of town councilors, pastors and teachers, had a unique family history dating back to the 14th century. Hard work and responsibility defined her youth. She started sewing at 13 and worked late. Later, she spent a decade serving as a maid in a private household before returning to her seamstress job at a Hamburg firm for eight more years.

• In 1827, Christiane's life took a new turn when her sister married Johann Detmering, a longshoreman. Christiane moved in with the newlyweds and helped manage a small shop called "Nissen Sisters-Dutch Wares," specializing in sewing goods. Christiane, although petite with short legs and plain features, possessed captivating blue eyes. She had a penchant for complaining, yet she was modest, kind-hearted and far from unintelligent. Her love for literature and her family's rich history defined her character.
• It was in 1829, at this intriguing juncture in Christiane's life, that a charismatic young musician named Johann Jakob Brahms entered her world. Despite limited financial means, Johann Jakob was described as a handsome man with a direct gaze, flowing brown hair and mischievous gray eyes.

7 Facts about Johannes Brahms

• Johannes Brahms was born on May 7, 1833, in Hamburg, Germany. His birthplace played a significant role in shaping his musical journey.
• Brahms' father, Jakob Brahms, was a jobbing musician who often played the double bass and the French horn. This familial exposure to music influenced young Johannes.
• Growing up in a financially struggling family, young Brahms had to contribute to their income. He played the piano in dance halls, showcasing his musical talent from a young age.
• Brahms began composing music when he was just 11 years old. However, as he grew older, he destroyed most of his early compositions, finding them embarrassing.
• Brahms once famously fell asleep during Franz Liszt's performance of his own Sonata in B Minor. He attributed this to exhaustion from traveling.
• After meeting Brahms, composer Robert Schumann was so impressed with his talent that he wrote an essay titled 'Neue Bahnen' ('New Paths') which brought Brahms considerable attention and recognition.
• Brahms's encounter with Hungarian violinist Eduard Remenyi introduced him to folk and gypsy music, which significantly influenced his composing style.
• Brahms started composing his first symphony in 1854 but didn't premiere it until November 1876, 22 years later. He meticulously edited the piece until he was completely satisfied with it.