The Young Brahms

Great Musicians

by Sybil Deucher

Johannes Brahms, the frail little son of poor parents, spent the first years of his life in a wretched tenement in the old harbor city of Hamburg. It is here that the present story opens. His father, an irresponsible musician, kept the child up, playing the piano at low taverns, until all hours of the night for whatever small payment he could get. However, little Johannes's love for fine music and for composing finally led to lessons and then to a speedy success. Composing, teaching, playing on whatever piano was found available, these filled the boy's day. The present book closes when, at fifteen, he dedicates a beautiful piece to Lieschen, the lovely daughter of Adolf Giesemann in whose home he has spent the summer. Several of Brahms's best-known compositions are included.

Genres: Music, Biography, Childrens

154 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1949

Reviews

[Lady reading under the Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This narrative gives an interesting and compassionate look at Johannes Brahms' early years. Who knew he survived being run over by a cart?! 😱

What a gifted person he was; God blessed him with amazing talent and fortitude. I was so glad to read of the respite summers he had in the country--it's doubtful he would have survived childhood without them.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Added to our morning time loop. Printed out the coloring pages and the kids love to color while I read...krb 1/2/17

This was great using the cd companion and reading the book together. Looking forward to reading other books like this one. Noticed I wasn't as consistent as I would like to be in reading this on a loop schedule during morning time. May try a different type of schedule next time....or just be more consistent!...krb 4/21/17