In Chapter 1 of Swafford’s biography of Brahms:

Brahms worked at the Lokale (brothel for drunken sailors) as piano player, who also read poems. Apparently, his experiences at the Lokale haunted him throughout his adult life and could partially explain his misogynist views and his rather peculiar take on women….and his music, of course.

Brahms’ teachers were Cossel and Marxsen.

Chapter 2 (Kreisleriana) talks about Brahms’ early development and the influence that German literature (Goethe, Novalis, Hoffmann, etc) and stories/fables had on him and his music. He mostly taught ‘talentless’ students and continued to play at small venues for pay. His teacher, Marxsen instilled in Johannes, the virtues of music (melodic structures, etc) from the Classical period…theme and variations, etc.

Will read Chapter 3 tonight (Two Journeys).