Johannes Brahms
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)
I believe that music should be a universal language, understood and appreciated by all.
I am not interested in writing music that is fashionable. I am interested in writing music that is true.
I believe that music should be a source of beauty and wonder, but it should also be a source of truth and wisdom.
I am not interested in writing music that is easy to play. I am interested in writing music that is worth playing.
I believe that music should be a source of inspiration and enlightenment, but it should also be a source of humility and reverence.
I am not interested in writing music that is easy to listen to. I am interested in writing music that is worth listening to.
I believe that music should be a source of peace and harmony, but it should also be a source of passion and intensity.
I am not interested in writing music that is easy to forget. I am interested in writing music that is unforgettable.
I believe that music should be a source of comfort and solace, but it should also be a source of challenge and growth.
I am not interested in writing music that is easy to analyze. I am interested in writing music that is worth analyzing.
I believe that music should be a source of joy and celebration, but it should also be a source of reflection and contemplation.
I am not interested in writing music that is easy to categorize. I am interested in writing music that defies categorization.
I believe that music should be a source of wonder and awe, but it should also be a source of understanding and insight.
I am not interested in writing music that is easy to dismiss. I am interested in writing music that demands attention.
I believe that music should be a source of beauty and elegance, but it should also be a source of power and strength.
I am not interested in writing music that is easy to ignore. I am interested in writing music that resonates deeply.
I believe that music should be a source of truth and honesty, but it should also be a source of imagination and fantasy.
I am not interested in writing music that is easy to forget. I am interested in writing music that leaves a lasting impression.
I believe that music should be a source of comfort and reassurance, but it should also be a source of questioning and exploration.
I am not interested in writing music that is easy to understand. I am interested in writing music that invites contemplation.
Contemporaries of Johannes Brahms
Other Musics born within 50 years of Johannes Brahms (1833–1897).