I frequently go back to my stories to review, edit, and look for ideas or situations that might lead to other stories. I was reading Simoné and the Second Time Around a few minutes ago and was reminded that no one commented on who Johannes, one of Simoné's lovers, was. The story has mystified me as it has been one of my favorite shorter works while not being favorably received by the readership.
So just for fun, who was Johannes, and who were his two friends he missed so much? Other than his affair with Simoné, every thing I wrote about him really happened. Everything I wrote about Johann Strauss was also true. Any takers out there?
Portia
Comments
Johannes
Portia, I just saw your question. I read Simone the second time around several months ago. I remember thinking
that it was nice that Johannes Brahms had a good relationship with a woman. From what I had read, he did not have a lot of luck with woman.
His two absent friends were Robert and Clara Schuman.
One of the mysteries, in my eyes, were why did Clara Schuman and Brahms not marry after Robert Schuman had
died?
I have been re reading several of your stories from the California Saga over the past week. Please accept my thanks
for the wonderful writing you have done. (Yes, I also have liked the Cynthia stories.)
It Remains a Mystery
Many have asked the same question. She had her reasons. Many believe they carried out an affair in secret; however, no one has ever discovered any hard evidence. Brahms transferred his interest to Clara's daughter; however, she never returned the affection. Clara and Robert had seven children. I've seen pictures of Clara, and she was not very attractive in later life. She was a fabulous concert pianist and composer. Many think she was a better pianist than Robert was before he destroyed his hands through some tortuous treatments he thought would improve his strength and flexibility. There are also thoughts that Robert had Syphilis.
Portia