Johannes Brahms

Music German 1833 – 1897 379 quotes

Master of symphonic and chamber music

Most quoted

"I have always been a great admirer of Bach, but I have never been able to understand why people make such a fuss about his fugues. They are very clever, but they are not beautiful."

— from Various anecdotes

"I am of the opinion that the public is usually wrong in its judgment of new works, but that after twenty or thirty years it finally corrects its own verdict."

— from Attributed

"I have never been able to understand why people make such a fuss about Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. It is a very good work, but it is not a masterpiece."

— from Various anecdotes

All quotes by Johannes Brahms (379)

Legacy is in the echoes of my symphonies.

Final reflection 1896

It is not enough to have a good ear; one must also have a good heart.

Letter to Clara Schumann

I am a slow worker, and I never hurry. I take my time, and I am patient.

Interview

I always compose with the greatest care and with the greatest conscientiousness.

Letter to Clara Schumann

I have to be careful not to write too much, or I shall become a bore.

Letter to Clara Schumann

I am not a man of many words, but I hope my music speaks for itself.

Interview

I do not believe in inspiration. I believe in hard work and perseverance.

Interview

I am always striving for perfection, but I know that I will never achieve it.

Letter to Clara Schumann

I have learned to be patient, and I have learned to wait for the right moment.

Interview

I am not interested in being original. I am interested in being good.

Interview

I do not compose for the public. I compose for myself.

Interview

I am a musician, not a philosopher. My music is my philosophy.

Interview

I have no desire to be famous. I only want to be a good musician.

Letter to Clara Schumann

I am always learning, and I am always growing. I hope I never stop.

Interview

I believe that music should be beautiful and expressive, but it should also be clear and concise.

Interview

I am not afraid to experiment, but I am also not afraid to stick to tradition.

Interview

I believe that music should be a source of joy and comfort, but it should also be a source of challenge and inspiration.

Interview

I am not interested in writing music that is easy to understand. I am interested in writing music that is worth understanding.

Interview

I believe that music should be a reflection of life, with all its joys and sorrows, its triumphs and its tragedies.

Interview

I am not interested in writing music that is popular. I am interested in writing music that is timeless.

Interview