The bearded and bloated Brahms of caricature continued to be inspired by Clara Schumann, despite a multitude of fleeting passions for other women. As Donald Macleod wraps up his account of their long and frequently troubled friendship, we find them at loggerheads in the late evening of their lives about something relatively trivial (an edition of Robert Schumann's 4th Symphony). Clara becomes jealous of the attentions of Frau Elizabeth von Herzogenberg, and feels snubbed. Nevertheless, through all her many personal tragedies, Johannes Brahms remains a constant support, whilst she remained for him an inspiration throughout his life. Right until the end of their lives, he refers his symphonies to her, and dedicates to her some of his most tender, valedictory piano compositions. Show less