Johannes Brahms, the composer, began his musical training on violin and cello, but his interest soon shifted to the piano.
Composer Biography
Robert Schumann, a prominent composer and critic, hailed Brahms as the long-awaited successor to Beethoven after hearing him play in 1853.
Composer Biography
As a teenager, Brahms earned money for his family by playing piano in establishments of "doubtful reputation" in Hamburg's St. Pauli district.
Composer Biography
Brahms maintained a lifelong relationship with Clara Schumann, one of the most distinguished pianists of her time, until her death in 1896.
Performer Biography
Idil Biret, the pianist on this recording, began piano lessons at age three and graduated from the Paris Conservatoire with three first prizes at fifteen.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms championed "pure or abstract music," a position that stood in direct opposition to the music-drama of Richard Wagner and the symphonic poems of Franz Liszt.
Performer Biography
Idil Biret studied piano with renowned musicians Alfred Cortot and Wilhelm Kempff, and composition with Nadia Boulanger.
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