Johannes Brahms

10.

How did Brahms earn his living, and why was it quite unusual?

What is unusual about Brahms’s career is that he basically earned his living from his composing, which was extremely rare in the 19th century (and the 21st century as well:/). Brahms was a savvy businessman and dealt with many publishers vying for his music, much of which was very popular and in demand. The earnings and royalties from his works made for a comfortable existence in Vienna. Very few composers could find themselves in Brahms’s position!

11.

What is a musical cipher and what are some famous musical ciphers by Brahms and Schumann?