In 1885, Austrian musician Richard Heuberger, recognizing the lasting importance of his friend and colleague, Johannes Brahms, began to record meticulously each of their meetings and conversations in the form of a journal. It was not until 1971, however, that the complete journal appeared in the original German language, with commentary by editor Kurt Hofmann (Erinnerunqen an Johannes Brahms, published in Tutzing, Germany, by Hans Schneider Verlag). All indiscreet and possibly harmful remarks by Brahms, which had been omitted from earlier versions, are found in this later edition with scarcely a variation from Heuberger's manuscript. This dissertation concerns information on Brahms as revealed through Heuberger's journal.The friendship between Brahms and Heuberger, which lasted until the death of the former, is a more important relationship than musicologists have previously thought. The two men spent long hours in discussing music, musicians and other contemporaries. As a man twenty-seven years Brahms's junior, Heuberger naturally sought advice in many matters, particularly regarding composition. Heuberger reveals many new insights into Brahms as a composer, performer and conductor.Brahms openly discussed many other artists, both past and present, and thanks to the care with which Heuberger recorded these comments, we have a clear picture of Brahms's inner feelings and opinions on the musical practice of his day. Brahms's regard for the genius of Richard Wagner and his ready praise of the composer's operas shed new light on the Wagner/Brahms controversy. Among the many other musicians discussed are Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, von Bulow, d'Albert, Dvofdk and Johann Strauss. Heuberger reports, for example, that Brahms was so fond of Strauss's music that he attended every possible premiere. In addition, Brahms's enthusiasm for artists such as Anselm Feuerbach and Max Klinger was also a frequent topic of conversation between Brahms and Heuberger.This dissertation explores the many avenues of research provided by an enlightening and entertaining journal, and these include Brahms's musical philosophy, his dabbling in musical politics, his personal characteristics, and his philanthropic nature. In short, this is a study of the personal Johannes Brahms as viewed by his friend and colleague, Richard Heuberger.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/176945 |
| Date | January 1987 |
| Creators | Hughes, Holly Elaine |
| Contributors | Andrews, Mitchell |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | 148 leaves : music ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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