DO YOU LIKE BRAHMS? - The TRUE story of the mythical Brahms-Clara-Robert Schumann love triangle

Summary

The video explores the real-life love triangle between Clara Schumann, her husband Robert, and their friend Johannes Brahms, which inspired the Korean drama 'Do You Like Brahms?'. It delves into the deep emotional connections, mutual admiration for music, and the complex dynamics of their relationships. Despite Brahms' growing love for Clara, her enduring love for her husband remained. The video also hints at Robert's possible bisexuality and his affection for Brahms. It contrasts the drama's portrayal with historical events, highlighting the enduring 40-year friendship between Brahms and Clara post-Robert's death.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The Korean drama 'Do You Like Brahms?' is inspired by the real-life love triangle between Clara Schumann, her husband Robert Schumann, and their friend Johannes Brahms.
• 🎵 Brahms met the Schumanns when he was 20, and they had been married for 14 years. Despite their marriage, both Clara and Robert were deeply moved by Brahms' music and personality.
• 💖 Clara Schumann was likely in love with Brahms, even while still in love with her husband, as evidenced by her diary entries praising Brahms' expressive face and beautiful hands.
• 🏳️‍🌈 It's speculated that Robert Schumann may have had deeper feelings for Brahms, possibly indicating bisexuality, though Brahms viewed him as a mentor and father figure.
• 🎼 Brahms dedicated his second sonata to Clara and she helped him with his third sonata, showcasing their close professional and personal relationship.
• 🏠 Brahms lived with the Schumanns, and his love for Clara grew stronger, especially during Robert's illness when Brahms provided emotional support to Clara.
• 🤔 The drama diverges from reality by depicting Brahms and Clara's deepening relationship during Robert's hospitalization, a period when Brahms' love for Clara intensified.
• 🎹 Clara, a renowned pianist and composer, played a significant role in Brahms' career, and her favorite piece by him was the Andante from his third sonata.
• 🕰️ Despite Robert's death, Brahms and Clara maintained a 40-year friendship, with Brahms never fully committing to another relationship, possibly due to his enduring love for Clara.
• 🎶 The music in the background of the video is the Andante from Brahms's third sonata, which Clara particularly loved and often performed, reflecting the deep emotional connection between them.

Q & A

What is the Korean drama 'Do You Like Brahms?' based on?

The drama is based on the real-life love triangle that occurred between Clara Schumann, her husband Robert Schumann, and their friend Johannes Brahms.

How old was Johannes Brahms when he met Clara and Robert Schumann?

Johannes Brahms was only 20 years old when he met Clara and Robert Schumann, who had been married for 14 years at that time.

What was the initial reaction of Clara and Robert Schumann to Brahms?

Both Clara and Robert Schumann fell instantly in love with Brahms and his music at first sight, with Clara being particularly drawn to his music and Robert proclaiming him the next Beethoven.

Did Clara Schumann have feelings for Brahms beyond a professional relationship?

It's almost certain that Clara Schumann was in love with Brahms, even as she remained in love with her husband Robert. She loved his music deeply and was always encouraging him to compose more.

What is speculated about Robert Schumann's feelings towards Brahms?

It's speculated that Robert Schumann might have been bisexual and had deeper feelings for Brahms, although it's not certain. He certainly admired Brahms' music and talent.

How did Brahms view his relationship with Robert Schumann?

Brahms looked up to Robert Schumann as a surrogate father and teacher, and it was Clara with whom he fell madly in love.

What role did Clara play in Brahms' musical development?

Clara gave Brahms piano lessons and helped him write his third sonata. She was also the one who introduced his music to the public by playing it in her concerts.

How did the real-life love story differ from the drama in terms of Robert Schumann's health?

In the drama, Robert's illness is a significant plot point. In real life, Robert fell ill five months after Brahms met the Schumanns and had to be placed in a hospital, which deepened Brahms' emotional bond with Clara.

What was the nature of the relationship between Brahms and Clara after Robert Schumann's death?

Brahms and Clara maintained a deep friendship for 40 years following Robert's death, with Brahms always knowing that Clara loved her husband more than she ever loved him.

What is the significance of Brahms's third sonata in the context of his relationship with Clara?

Brahms's third sonata, which he wrote while living with the Schumanns and with Clara's help, was Clara's favorite piece of his. It was the first piece of his that was publicly performed and reflects the deep affection Brahms had for Clara.

What other aspects of Brahms's life will be discussed in the next episode of the video?

The next episode will explore how the character Park Jun-seo in the drama resembles Brahms in personality and appearance, as well as delve into the secrets behind the Chalmuri piece and other similarities to the backstory presented in the drama.