Throughout his lifetime, Brahms consistently created excellent music largely because of his strict and meticulous manner of composition. "Go over it over and over again until there's a bar you CAN improve on," he used to tell his students. Born in Hamburg, Germany, he began playing the piano at age six and by 15 was performing in public. Playing in public also meant playing in brothels to earn a little money early in his young life. His big break came when he was introduced to Robert Schumann, who instantly proclaimed Brahms as the new saviour of German music. Brahms was 20 years old.

    Though Brahms was famous early on from his numerous orchestral works and his piano sonatas, it wasn't until after the 1970s that he made the high reputation he enjoys today. His First Symphony, which took him 14 years to complete, was hailed as Beethoven's 10th. He followed that up with three other symphonies, as well as reknown piano concertos, and acclaimed chamber music.

   Perhaps the most fascination aspect of Brahms career is the fact that he went against the Romantic gradient that existed during his time. He preferred the technique and form of the Classical period. His emotional depth was different from that of Lizst or Tchaikovsky, whom he criticized, involving more use of musical textures to achieve intrinsic beauty.