Brahms

by Jeremy Siepmann

Brahms is one of the best loved, yet most controversial of all the Romantics. Almost uniquely, his works have never suffered the slightest period of eclipse. Profoundly emotional yet governed by an iron discipline, the music, like the man, is a fascinating, entertaining, often deeply moving blend of opposites. He had a gift for friendship and a capacity for love far beyond the ordinary, yet no man could be ruder or more hurtful. Though humble, he was consumed by a sense of destiny, and his inner life, colored by his adoration and fear of women, found expression in some of the greatest music ever written.Listening to this audio-biography is leaping inside the life and times of a great German Romantic, understanding the man who was haunted by the ghost of Beethoven for years and was forty-three before he wrote his First Symphony. Accompanied by a richly detailed booklet, this 4 CD-set is a sympathetic, absorbing account of a fascinating composer.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Art, Audiobook

4 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Jeremy Siepmann (16 January 1942 – 6 April 2016), born in America and living in Britain for most of his career, was a broadcaster and writer on music.

Reviews

[Jason Koivu · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great way to get to know a composer! Jeremy Siepmann's Brahms was exactly what I was looking for!

Jumping right into things, this audiobook takes you directly into the life, times and music of Johannes Brahms, the famous German composer from the mid-to-late 19th century.

Brahms has been a quiet favorite of mine. "Quiet" in that the music of his which I've heard so far has been on the softer, more relaxed side. And also "quiet" in that I have been a passive fan of his, not actively seeking out his work, but always enjoying it when I catch it on the radio. Occasionally I've intentionally tuned in to an internet station that only plays his stuff and I'll put that on in the background while I'm writing. Instrumental music is key when writing, because you don't want extraneous words drilling into your thoughts. Another positive is that Brahms' music doesn't tend towards the extremes, at least not the loud or excitable extremes, not from what I've heard. You don't get the agitated aggression you get from Beethoven now and then. With Brahms you can be sure you'll hear ear-satisfyingly good melodies.

The above might make one think Brahms was, well, boring, dependable and dull. I held that opinion before listening to this book, but Siepmann opened my eyes and ears to Brahms' subtle genius.

In Brahms sections of text are smartly interspersed with chunky passages from symphonies and smaller pieces. Siepmann explains the wheres, hows, and whys of Brahms' music and then we get to immediately hear examples. Brilliant! I'll certainly be seeking out other audiobooks he's done in this series!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series! The audiobook mixture of biography & music is terrific!

[Jessica Lozoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again it’s proven true that the music is the reflection of our inner self. I can’t help but think of Schubert when I listened to this audiobook, who was an affable man who inside had explosive emotions bottled up, whereas Brahms was the opposite with biting and sarcastic exterior, but a tender heart. Both of their compositions showcase their inner sensibilities and it’s so important for us to learn these things to really do justice in our interpretations of their music. One last thing I’ll note about Schubert and Brahms is how fascinating to see how many composers of the late 19th century felt stuck in the shadow of the giant, Beethoven. Both were struggled to define their identities as individual composers while wanting to be the “next Beethoven”. Maybe I gotta listen to that one next…

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging audio book combining a succinct biography of the great composer with some of his most memorable music.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read and listen for this audio book about Johannes Brahms. It mixes narrative about his life with actual performances of some of his major works that gave me a little musical break throughout the book. The narrative about his life refers to him as one of the best loved, yet most controversial of all the Romantics. A prolific German composer and performer, he always had some amount of self doubt about himself and his works. This book includes musical performances of his best known works matched with narrative explaining background that likely influenced his music. Great read/listen for anyone interested in one of the best composers of his time.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The audiobook format works well for a composer biography. It’s great to have the lengthy excerpts of his works. However, I was hoping for more substantive analysis of the music. I didn’t come away from this with an understanding of why Brahms is considered one of the greatest composers ever, which is a pity. The fact is that with classical music, the music is far more interesting than the composer, and it requires some guidance on its intricacies to fully appreciate it. Better to focus on the music than the man.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book... fortunately, it was in audiobook format. Infused with musical compositions by Brahms, this biographical presentation was captivating and well performed. The narrators were wonderful.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent biographical background on one of my most beloved composers.

[Mai Mislang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent, and the choice for the voice of Clara Schumann was perfect.

[Vivian Vilmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johanns Brahms had an interesting life. This audio book through music and letters from friends opens up the life of a genius. It was a good read and excellent music.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish they would use voice actors who could perform with the accent that the historical people would have had (they are all spoken with British accents). Otherwise, the production is very good.

[Michèle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note to self: Musical biographies should always be in audible form.

[Galicius · Rating 4 out of 5]

A major composer, one of the three "B", left much that is still standard fare in the concert halls, and with anyone who appreciates good music.