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 am not a religious man, but I do believe in the power of music to connect us to something greater than ourselves.
I am a man of routine, and I like to keep a regular schedule.
I am not a fan of modern music, but I do believe that there is always something new to learn from the past.
I am a man of strong opinions, and I am not afraid to express them.
I am a man of great passion, and I pour all of my emotions into my music.
I believe that music should be accessible to everyone, and it should not be reserved for the elite.
I am a man of few words, but I hope my actions speak louder than my words.
I am a man of great integrity, and I always try to do what is right.
I believe that music should be a source of joy and comfort, and it should bring people together.
I am a man of great humility, and I am always willing to learn from others.
I am a man of great determination, and I never give up on my dreams.
Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.
I have often thought that I would like to write an opera, but I am too lazy.
I can't compose a popular opera. My music is too serious.
I have always been a lonely man, and I have always been a lonely composer.
The 'Tragic Overture' is a deeply melancholy work, but it is also a work of hope.
I would give all my symphonies for one good opera.
It is not easy to compose a symphony after Beethoven.
I have learned more from Bach than from any other composer.
I am a slow worker, but I am a sure worker.
Contemporaries of Johannes Brahms
Other Musics born within 50 years of Johannes Brahms (1833–1897).