Who was the German predecessor who brahms is paying tribute to?

Johannes Brahms is often considered to be paying tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven, the prominent German composer who preceded him. Brahms admired Beethoven's work and sought to build upon his legacy, particularly in the symphonic and chamber music forms. This homage is evident in Brahms's compositions, which blend classical structure with rich emotional depth, reflecting Beethoven's influence on his musical development.