Classical Music Work of the Week - August 29, 2005

I had the exciting opportunity to perform Brahms' Requiem with the Dresden Philharmonic under the helm of Meister Frühbeck at Avery Fisher Hall. I loved the piece from the first rehearsal. Each movement is a work in itself - moving, inspiring, deep, etc. One of my favorite moments in the first movement is when the chorus enters singing barely audible from the audience. It's so soft you have to really listen to hear it. Then they sing the line "Selig sind, die da leid tragen" as the orchestra drops out. It's great. My favorite movement of the entire work is the 6th movement - "Denn wir haben hie keine bleibende stadt". It's dance like and fun, although, I like it performed faster than what many conductors do. All in all, Brahms' German Requiem is a fantastic piece to listen to as well as a blast to sing.

Brahms Requiem is unique because, unlike previous composers who used Latin texts, Brahms used texts lifted straight from the German bible. Also, unlike previous composers, Brahms' Requiem makes no mention of Christ's return or judgment day. In fact, it's a more personal approach and comforting experience to the listener. Brahms completed the Requiem in 1868. It is believed that the Requiem was composed in light of the deaths of Robert Schumann, a very close friend of Brahms, and the death of his own mother, Christine Brahms, several months later. With this in mind, you can hear the desperation as well as the resolve Brahms was going through during the time of its composition.

Stop by the classical music forum to post your thoughts and opinions. Here is a recommended recording of Brahms' Requiem along with other requiem masses.