Born on May 7, 1833, Johannes Brahms is considered the leading Romantic composer of instrumental music in classical forms. He composed virtually every variety of music except opera. Although his music was subject to attacks from followers of Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt, his popularity grew over time as a great composer with a unique individuality (Weinstock 456). His life, the influences on him and his music, and his outstanding 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 at nine years old as a piano prodigy, he soon 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 played today. Furthermore, after teaching for some time in Dusseldorf, he became associated with the court of Lippe-Detmold in which he settled until 1860. Constantly composed, he resided in Hamburg again after 1860. He visited Vienna for the first time in 1862 and remained there. In the last twenty years of his life he devoted more and more time to composition. Additionally, he toured to perform and conduct his compositions, receiving increasing honors and popularity. Brahms never married and never left the European continent, even refusing to visit England when Cambridge University wished to grant him an honorary degree. He was a funny, gruff and rather messy man and by 1890 he had become one of Vienna's most distinguished citizens. (Weinstock 457). Brahms revered Beethoven, perhaps more than other Romantic composers. His works contain wh...... half of paper...... Bible. In 1896 he attended the funeral of his friend Clara Schumann whom he had known since 1853. Upon his return he became seriously ill and died a year later. Generations later, his music and name can still spark discussion in music circles. However, there is no doubt that he is included in the top dozen composers in the entire history of music (Weinstock 456). Part of Johannes Brahms' unique story includes the story of his life, his influences and his exceptional music. Today, his popularity continues to grow and he will remain in music history as a notable and exceptional composer of romantic music. Works Cited Weinstock, Herbert. The World Book Encyclopedia. Illinois: Field Enterprises Educational Corporation, 1962. Print. "Johannes Brahms". http://www.pensym.org/SymphonySounds/SSOct2012.pdf. Symphony of the Peninsula, 2012. Web. 28 February. 2014.