Foreign Art Songs · Selected Songs of Brahms

Author: Editorial Department of People's Music Publishing House
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-02-26
Features: Johannes Brahms (1833.5.7–1897.4.3), German pianist and composer. Although his works employed the musical language of contemporary Romanticism, they retained the great musical traditions of the past, showing the influence of classical music from Bach, Haydn, Beethoven, and others. Thus, he created a strong personal style from the combination of old and new elements, characterized by warmth and passion, yet often filled with strange contradictions. He was highly versatile, composing symphonies, concertos, chamber music, piano works, choral compositions (including the famous German Requiem), and over 200 songs. His father was a horn and double bass player, and although the family was poor, they were very happy and both parents were attentive to providing their children with a good education. He began studying piano under the guidance of the distinguished German pianist Robert Schumann at the age of 7 and successfully participated in chamber music performances within less than three years. Later, his teacher introduced him to the renowned music theorist Otto Mucke in Hamburg, which laid a solid foundation for his future career. In 1848, a piano recital he gave in Hamburg left little impression on the audience. At the age of 20, he accepted an invitation from the Hungarian violinist Joseph Joachim to tour, which became a turning point in his career. Although their collaboration was not successful and they eventually parted ways, he met the famous violinist Joseph Joachim, the composer Robert Schumann, and Schumann's wife, the outstanding pianist Clara Schumann, during this time. This had a profound impact on his artistic and personal life. They were deeply moved by his works, and Schumann immediately published an article titled A New Path in his journal Neue Musikzeitung, introducing his genius to the public. Between 1854 and 1856, he devoted himself primarily to research and composition. In 1857, he obtained his first official position as the resident piano player and choir director for the Dittmar family, which provided him with valuable practical experience and ample time for his own compositions. During this period, he composed works such as the orchestral Serenade, the String Sextet in D minor, and the Piano Concerto in D minor. In 1862, he moved to Vienna, where he demonstrated his talents as both a pianist and a composer in various concerts. The unique atmosphere of Vienna enriched his artistic personality and brought his creative achievements to their peak, earning him widespread fame. In 1863, he was invited to conduct the famous Singakademie, and in 1872, he was appointed conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic, an association founded in 1812 that had once been a member of both Beethoven and Schubert. During this time, he composed a large number of important works. In 1868, he completed his most famous choral work, the German Requiem, which is considered one of the most important choral compositions of the 19th century and elevated him to the forefront of German composers. In 1876, he completed the Symphony in C minor, and in April of the same year, he was awarded an honorary music degree by the University of Cambridge, but declined to travel there in person to accept it. To make up for this regret, the London Philharmonic Society awarded him a gold medal in 1877. In 1879, the University of Breslau in Poland granted him an honorary doctorate. To express his gratitude, he composed the Academic Festival Overture based on German student songs and conducted its premiere at the university himself. His deep friendship with Clara Schumann became legendary. When Clara passed away on May 20, 1896, it deeply affected him, and he realized he too was nearing the end of his life. He composed the Eleven Orgue Concertos, with the last one being the Fantasia, "Ah, world, I must leave you." When he died in Vienna, representatives from around the world attended his funeral, and ships in the harbor of Hamburg lowered their flags in mourning. He was one of the few great composers who were admired even during their lifetime. His works, which display a highly complete technique, intelligent characteristics, and Romantic spirit, continue to be appreciated today just as they were in the 19th century.