Did Sleep Apnea Afflict Johannes Brahms?

By Kerrin Leon White - August 15, 2000

A Special Report by Mitchell L. Margolis, M.D., just published in the medical journal, Chest (118:1:210-213, July 2000) makes the case that the renowned composer, Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) suffered fRom Obstructive Sleep Apnea. He provides some persuasive facts.

Of special note, Brahms' napping drew comments from his contemporaries. A friend wrote that he could drop off to sleep "in a second." On the occasion of his first meeting with Liszt, and first hearing of Liszt's famous B minor sonata played by the composer himself, Brahms fell asleep. Liszt understandably took offense. On his first hearing of Gustav Mahler, he fell asleep again, and interrupted the concert with a "queer snort" suggestive of the "resuscitative arousal" from an apneic episode. His sleeping at cafes, restaurants, and theater gained tourist attention.

His snoring, also, evoked consternation, at least in one friend assigned to share a hotel bedroom with Brahms. The singer George Henschel (1850-1934) knew Brahms well enough to expect no sleep that night. Sure enough, no sooner had Brahms blown out his candle, than Henschel heard "the most unearthly noises." Henschel fled to another room for the night and tried to sneak back before Brahms awakened, but without success. Brahms at once understood, and joked, "Why didn't you throw a boot at me?"

Other points, less diagnostic of OSA than consistent with it, included his thick neck and associated dislike of neckties or even collars. From a slender youth, he became obese by his mid-thirties, and by age 57 had trouble reaching over his belly for his keys. He was known for his depressed and irritable moods--one possible consequence of OSA--and shortly prior to his death (probably from pancreatic cancer) he may have suffered a stroke--yet another consequence.

Dr. Mitchell mentions other characteristics suggestive of OSA, which I omit for their potentially demeaning effect. Certain Brahms, a peer of Beethoven, which is to say one of the greatest composers of all time, deserves not ridicule but admiration for his success despite an affliction that can easily impair the mind and even disable.

Why then engage in such always questionable, retrospective diagnosis of a man long-dead? Though sometimes amusing, this account betrays a hidden, lifelong burden of suffering that Brahms had to overcome.

For one thing, the mere fact that he overcame the symptoms of his condition to create wonderful music deserves attention. Many people suffering from a variety of disabling medical conditions cannot envision themselves leading worthwhile lives. It is good for all of us to realize that some remarkable people--as just one example, the eminent physicist with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ("Lou Gehrig's Disease"), Stephen Hawking, stands out as a modern hero.

ALS is a relatively rare disease, but OSA is exceptionally common, affecting as many as 20 million, mostly unwitting, Americans at this moment. Since the disease derives in good part from the heritable anatomy of the upper airway, almost certainly it affected a similar proportion in the past. Who were they? Which other accomplished people had to achieve despite its ravages--and the unsympathetic amusement of others--in a time when OSA scarcely recognized, thought very unusual, had no known means of diagnosis or treatment?

Those suffering similarly in our time should count their blessings - and take advantage of them!

For more information on Sleep Apnea, please see our Sleep Apnea Section.