Someone gave me this trivia quizz I'd like to share with this board:

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1. What musical instrument did his father play? ?
2. In his youth, Brahms earned a living by teaching, playing behind the scenes at theatres and playing piano in what type of establishments? ?
3. In 1853, he was introduced to renowned violinist Joseph Joachim, who would become one of Brahms' life-long friends. What composition did Brahms write specifically for Joachim? ?
4. There were various musical factions in Vienna during Brahms' life. Those who were devoted to Wagner were very much against the Classicism in the music of Brahms. What noted composer, the acknowledged leader of the Wagnerian movement, was Brahms' most outspoken critic? ?
5. In 1863, he obtained a post at the Singakademie. Was he hired to (a) compose (b) conduct or (c) perform? ?
6. Why did his German Requiem cause such a stir in sacred music circles? ?
7. What English university attempted (unsuccessfully) to bestow a Doctor of Music degree upon Brahms? ?
8. For what occasion did Brahms compose the Academic Festival Overture and why was it so warmly received by those in attendance? ?
9. What was Brahms' main reason for waiting so long (he was 42 years old) to attempt the composition of his First Symphony? ?
10. Late in life, an early-morning visitor to Brahms' home might have found him in a rather unkempt state of dress (usually pajamas, bathrobe and slippers) and engaging in his two great passions - aside from music. What were these two "vices"?

I'll give it a try, though most of it will probably be wrong anyway.

Violin maybe?
In brothels.
The double concerto, I think
I think that would be Liszt.
Conduct?
Probably because it was not in latin.
Oxford?
No idea.
Because he felt he was not ready for it?
Vine and cigars?

Brahms's pop played the horn and the double bass. And for some reason I associate the Academic Festival Overture with the University of Breslau--maybe an honorary degree for Johannes?

The funniest thing I remember reading about Brahms was that he went to sleep when Liszt played his (Liszt's) sonata for him and the event
was the source of a lasting quarrel between them.

No. 7 is Cambridge right?

haha that's the only one I vaguely know...