Johannes Brahms: A Biography

By Jan Swafford

Categories: Arts & Photography, Biographies & Memoirs

Johannes Brahms: A Biography (1997) is composer and writer Jan Swafford's life of the German composer, tracing his path from an impoverished childhood in Hamburg to his position at the centre of musical life in Vienna. Swafford examines Brahms's close relationship with Robert and Clara Schumann, his friendships and rivalries, and his complicated private life. He also explains how the music was made, analysing the symphonies, concertos and chamber works in terms accessible to non-specialists.

Recommended by 1 person

• Ben Shapiro: “His biography of Brahms is really phenomenal.”