Affection and Aggression : Which 3 Composers Would You Like to Hug/Throttle?

[ZauberdrachenNr.7]

After reading Brahms biography, I think there should've been somebody who could had given Brahms a good shake up with regards to his attitude to certain things. But at the same time it is very hard to ignore how broken hearted he seemed in general throughout his life, because of that attitude of his. So, I think such a conflicting personality as Brahms may really need both a good hug and a good throttle.

Well said and likely true.  Artem, which bio did you read, out o' curiosity?  I've read the Swafford book twice.  There's a new work out, looks very interesting, though not really biographical in intent: http://www.amazon.com/Brahms-Home-Concert-Hall-Performance/dp/1107042704/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1416315484&sr=8-10&keywords=brahms+biography

And this not unrelated book : http://www.amazon.com/Brahms-Among-Friends-Listening-Performance/dp/0199982643/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1VJD9W60YDBQDJ7421XR