Brahms was a German composer who is thought to be one of the masters of the classical age of music. His repertoire of compositions includes concerti, symphonies, chamber music, choral compositions, and songs.  He devoted special attention to chamber music and song.
     Brahms was born on May 7 in Hamburg, Germany.  He studied violin and cello under his father.  When Brahms mastered the piano, he began to compose under the guidance of the German music teacher Eduard Marxsen.  In 1853, Brahms went on a concert tour as an accompanist to the Hungarian violinist Eduard Reményi.
     Brahms was very good friends with composers Robert and Clara Schumann.  It has been said that Brahms was even in love Clara, but he did not propose to her after Schumann's death in 1856.  Brahms had never married.
     In 1857, Brahms secured an appointment as conductor to the court theater in Detmold, Germany and remained there until 1859.  For several years after 1859, Brahms traveled throughout Germany and Switzerland.

Well Known Works:

• German Requiem (1866)
  
• Violin Concerto in D (1878)
  
• Piano Concerto in B Flat (1878-81)
  
• "Lullaby"
  
• "Hungarian Dances"
  
• Piano Quintet in F Minor, op. 34
  
• Symphony no. 1 in C Minor (1876)
  
• Symphony no. 2 in D Major (1877)