The Blue Danube

Born in Hamburg. Johannes's first music lessons were given by his father. He then took lessons in piano and composition theory from Otto Cossel. From the age of ten Brahms performed in concerts. At fourteen, in 1847, he finished a private Realschule and for the first time gave a solo recital as a pianist. In 1857-1859 he served as a musician at the princely court in Detmold. In 1858-1862 he led a women's choir (formed on an amateur basis). In 1872-1874 he was conductor of the concerts of the Society of Friends of Music (Vienna Philharmonic). In 1868 the celebrated German Requiem had its premiere in Bremen Cathedral and brought him great success. In the autumn of 1872 he became artistic director of the Society of Friends of Music in Vienna. In the last years of his life Brahms was seriously ill, but he did not stop composing. He died in Vienna.