Johannes Brahms (1833 – 1897) was a German composer and pianist, and one of the leading musicians of the romantic period. Born in Hamburg, Brahms spent much of his professional life in Vienna, Austria, where he was a leader of the musical scene. In his lifetime, Brahms’s popularity and influence were considerable. Brahms composed for piano, chamber ensembles, symphony orchestra, and for voice and chorus. Brahms is often considered both a traditionalist and an innovator.