Johannes Brahms was one of the most influential composers of the 19th century. He was born in Hamburg, Germany, on May 7, 1833, to a musical family. His father, Johann Jakob Brahms, was a horn and double bass player who taught him piano, violin, and cello. His mother, Johanna Henrika Christiane Nissen, was a seamstress who encouraged his musical interests.
Brahms showed remarkable talent as a pianist from an early age. He began composing when he was 11 years old and gave his first public performance when he was 15. He also played in taverns and dance halls to help support his family. He was influenced by the music of Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and Schumann, as well as by the folk music of Germany and Hungary.