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)

I am not a religious man, but I do believe in the power of music to connect us to something greater than ourselves.

Diary entry

I am a man of routine, and I like to keep a regular schedule.

Letter to a friend

I am not a fan of modern music, but I do believe that there is always something new to learn from the past.

Letter to a colleague

I am a man of strong opinions, and I am not afraid to express them.

Letter to a critic

I am a man of great passion, and I pour all of my emotions into my music.

Diary entry

I believe that music should be accessible to everyone, and it should not be reserved for the elite.

Letter to a patron

I am a man of few words, but I hope my actions speak louder than my words.

Letter to a friend

I am a man of great integrity, and I always try to do what is right.

Diary entry

I believe that music should be a source of joy and comfort, and it should bring people together.

Letter to a student

I am a man of great humility, and I am always willing to learn from others.

Letter to a colleague

I am a man of great determination, and I never give up on my dreams.

Diary entry

Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.

Attributed

I have often thought that I would like to write an opera, but I am too lazy.

Attributed

I can't compose a popular opera. My music is too serious.

Attributed

I have always been a lonely man, and I have always been a lonely composer.

Attributed

The 'Tragic Overture' is a deeply melancholy work, but it is also a work of hope.

Attributed

I would give all my symphonies for one good opera.

Attributed

It is not easy to compose a symphony after Beethoven.

Attributed

I have learned more from Bach than from any other composer.

Attributed

I am a slow worker, but I am a sure worker.

Attributed