After these early performances of the Concerto, Johann returned to Hamburg, to his composing and teaching.  He, however, played the Concerto in his native city on a distinguished occasion, when Joachim was a soloist in Spohr’s Gesang-Scene, Stockhausen in a magnificent Aria, and then Johann, pale, blond, slight, but calm and self controlled.  The Concerto scored a considerable success at last, and the young composer was content.

In the autumn of this year, Johann paid his third visit to Detmold, and found himself socially as well as musically the fashion.  It was the correct thing to have lessons from him and his presence gave distinction to any assemblage.  But Johann did not wish to waste his time at social functions; when obliged to be present at some of these events he would remain silent the entire evening, or else say sharp or biting things, making the hosts regret they had asked him.  His relations with the Court family, however, remained very pleasant.  Yet he began to chafe under the constant demands on his time, and the rigid etiquette of the little Court.  The next season he definitely declined the invitation to revisit Detmold, the reason given was that he had not the time, as he was supervising the publication of a number of his works.  Brahms had become interested in writing for the voice, and had already composed any number of beautiful vocal solos and part songs.

We are told that Frau Schumann, Joachim and Stockhausen came frequently to Hamburg during the season of 1861, and all three made much of Johannes.  All four gave concerts together, and Johannes took part in a performance of Schumann’s beautiful Andante and Variations, for two pianos, while Stockhausen sang entrancingly Beethoven’s Love Songs, accompanied by Brahms.  On one occasion Brahms played his Variations on a Handel Theme, “another magnificent work, splendidly long, the stream of ideas flowing inexhaustibly.  And the work was wonderfully played by the composer; it seemed like a miracle.  The composition is so difficult that none but a great artist can attempt it.”  So wrote a listener at the time.  That was in 1861.  We know this wonderful work in these days, for all the present time artists perform it.  At each of Frau Schumann’s three appearances in Hamburg during the autumn of this year, she performed one of Brahms’ larger compositions; one of them was the Handel Variations.

Although one time out of ten Johann might be taciturn or sharp, the other nine he would be agreeable, always pleased—­good humored, satisfied, like a child with children.  Every one liked his earnest nature, his gaiety and humor.

Johann had had a great longing to see Vienna, the home of so many great musicians; but felt that when the right time came, the way would open.  And it did.  Early in September, 1862, he wrote a friend:  “I am leaving on Monday, the eighth, for Vienna.  I look forward to it like a child.”