Brahms is viewed as a German liberal whose music expressed his high ideals. Critics saw Brahms not “merely as an insider to the Viennese establishment but also quintessential Liberal” (Notley 109). Similar to other liberals at the time, Brahms admired Bismarck’s efforts to create a unified Germany (111). Brahms’ opinions on religion, nationalism, and historicism became the backdrop for controversy with other musicians, such as Anton Bruckner and Richard Wagner. Brahms’ unique style of composing and his chamber genres tailored to the views of the widespread Liberal culture (112-113). Since Viennese Jews felt a “strong allegiance” to the Liberal party, Brahms’ music was not only seen as liberal, but also Jewish (108). These close ties between
