Born on May 7, 1833, Johannes Brahms is considered the greatest romantic composer of instrumental music in classical forms. He composed virtually every variety of music except opera. Although his music came under attack from disciples of Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt, his popularity grew over time as a great composer with unique individuality (Weinstock 456). His life, influences on him and his music, and his exceptional musical works are all part of the story of this famous composer. Born to poor parents in Hamburg, Germany, Brahms's first music lessons came from his father who played the double bass. Known as a piano prodigy at age nine, he quickly began studying seriously and began composing. Incredibly, at fifteen he gave a public concert and by twenty he had composed piano pieces that are still performed today. Furthermore, after having taught for some time in Düsseldorf, he attached himself to the court of Lippe-Detmold where he lived until 1860. Constantly composing, he resided again in Hamburg after 1860. For the first time, he visited Vienna in 1862 and remained there. He devoted more and more time to composition during the last twenty years of his life. Additionally, he toured performing and conducting his own compositions, and received increasing honors and popularity. Brahms never married and never left the European continent, even refusing to travel to England when the University of Cambridge wished to grant him an honorary degree. He was a humorous, gruff and rather messy man, and by the 1890s he had become one of Vienna's most distinguished citizens. (Weinstock 457). Brahms revered Beethoven, perhaps more than other Romantic composers. His works contain what...... middle of paper...... Bible. In 1896, he attended the funeral of his friend Clara Schumann, whom he had known since 1853. On his return, he fell seriously ill and died a year later. Generations later, his music and his name can still spark controversy in musical circles. However, there is no doubt that he is among the first dozen composers in the entire history of music (Weinstock 456). Part of the unique story of Johannes Brahms includes his life story, his influences and his exceptional music. Today, his popularity continues to grow and he will go down in musical history as a remarkable and exceptional composer of romantic music.Works CitedWeinstock, Herbert. The World Book Encyclopedia. Illinois: Field Enterprises Educational Corporation, 1962. Print. “Johannes Brahms”. http://www.pensym.org/SymphonySounds/SSOct2012.pdf. Peninsula Symphony, 2012. web. February 28. 2014.