When Stella Artois Happy Hour at the Symphony returns on March 18, the program turns to music by John Mayer and a John of an older generation - Johannes Brahms. Crazy as it may seem, these two musicians actually share more than just a first name.
But Brahms was more than just good looks. This guy had soul. Brahms was a throwback, looking to the music of Bach to write truly heartfelt music in an era where contemporaries like Liszt, Wagner and Mahler were revolutionaries out to discover the music of the future. In an era where vocal hooks and sampled beats reign supreme, John Mayer also looks to the old masters, writing guitar-driven pop inspired by blues legends like B.B. King and rock gods like Jimi Hendrix.
And the similarities just keep on coming. . .
Both men shared an interest in older women. John Mayer famously dated Jennifer Aniston, eight years his senior. Brahms spent most of his adult life pining after Clara Schumann, 14 years his elder and the widow of the man who helped launch his career, Robert Schumann. While Mayer was never too shy to share the most intimate details of his relationship via Twitter, Brahms was not as forthcoming. While many scholars believe the relationship with Clara was never consummated, there isn't definitive proof either way.
For the full story on Brahms, check out Jan Swafford's fun biography. (Or get the lightning round in this article.)
As for Mayer? Well, there's always @johncmayer.
(Thanks to Alyson Ahrns for research and writing assistance.)
| While many of us are stuck with the image of the old, bearded Brahms in our minds, in his younger days, Johannes (right) was quite the looker and probably attracted his fair share of female attention, just like John Mayer. |  |
But Brahms was more than just good looks. This guy had soul. Brahms was a throwback, looking to the music of Bach to write truly heartfelt music in an era where contemporaries like Liszt, Wagner and Mahler were revolutionaries out to discover the music of the future. In an era where vocal hooks and sampled beats reign supreme, John Mayer also looks to the old masters, writing guitar-driven pop inspired by blues legends like B.B. King and rock gods like Jimi Hendrix.
And the similarities just keep on coming. . .
- Brahms wrote four symphonies. Mayer has released four albums. (There are also four Happy Hour concerts this season. Try to explain that coincidence!)
- Both men pursued secondary instruments in their youth. Can you imagine Brahms as a cellist or John Mayer with a clarinet in his hands? They both also started touring as teenagers. At one point, Brahms' teacher wanted to send him to America to earn that big paycheck. His parents declined, probably sparing Brahms future anonymity as a washed-up child star.
- Speaking of the clarinet, John Mayer's first instrument, Brahms took up an interest in the reedy instrument late in life. He came out of his self-imposed retirement to write some of his most moving music, all featuring the clarinet. Do you think Mayer ever tried his hand at the Brahms' Clarinet Quintet?
Both men shared an interest in older women. John Mayer famously dated Jennifer Aniston, eight years his senior. Brahms spent most of his adult life pining after Clara Schumann, 14 years his elder and the widow of the man who helped launch his career, Robert Schumann. While Mayer was never too shy to share the most intimate details of his relationship via Twitter, Brahms was not as forthcoming. While many scholars believe the relationship with Clara was never consummated, there isn't definitive proof either way.
For the full story on Brahms, check out Jan Swafford's fun biography. (Or get the lightning round in this article.)
As for Mayer? Well, there's always @johncmayer.
(Thanks to Alyson Ahrns for research and writing assistance.)
Hi Everyone:
The entire concept for Happy Hour #3 was really born out of the idea that "Heart of Life" by John Mayer would make a great arrangement for orchestra. The song came on as I was driving to a gig back in December, and I immediately thought of the Happy Hour series. I called Nick Kendall and pitched the idea of doing it, and he said "Oh my God!"(that's usually a good sign). After that, I began building a whole concert around Mayer's tunes paired with classical selections.
Memory is a funny thing. 
This coming Friday and Saturday, I’ll be hosting our preconcert event Sound Off at a special time – 6:00pm. This is because the Honor Orchestra of America will be performing at 7:00pm, before the ISO hits the stage at 8:00pm, for 
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