This is certainly the most thorough of the English-language biographies of Johannes Brahms. MacDonald relates all known facts about the composer, his relationship with friends and acquaintances, and his music. Biography and creative output are interwoven throughout the book, as the author rather laboriously discusses each composition in chronological order. It is assumed that the reader has a fair knowledge of Brahms's works and can read music, for MacDonald includes 68 musical examples that are important to the discussion. MacDonald's verbose style may put off the casual reader, but for a real Brahms lover, the book is a treat.

Malcolm MacDonald incorporates 25 years of new research to demonstrate convincingly that composer Johannes Brahms combined hs appreciation of the emotions and ideals of German Romantic music with a profound understanding of Classical principles, rejected the earlier view that he was simply an old-fashioned, conservative composer.