Brahms was known to have had a sharp tongue. In his later life he was accused of never ceasing an opportunity of insulting others. Actually he himself once made a similar remark, leaving a social gathering saying: "If there are anyone I haven't insulted tonight, I ask for forgiveness".

In many biographies he has been accused of being rather rude as well as unsociable. It maybe true to a certain degree but maybe there were nuances. His quotes are an invaluable and primary source to a glimpse into the man Johannes Brahms as well as his impressions of his contemporaries and the time he lived in.

Brahms was very reluctant in commenting on his own music. This modern impression may be due to the fact that he self-censured his letters in fear of future biographers and we therefore have little hard evidence of such comments. But it may also be true because he felt that music should talk for itself and therefore did not make such comments. A famous quote underlines it brilliantly in favour of the latter: "Only a creating genius can be convincing in music".

Nevertheless there are numerous quotes and recollections that can shed light on his own view of his music, their creation and performance.