Brahms, Johannes: Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45 (for Piano 4-hands & Chorus)
Label: Seraphic Fire

Larry K.
Reviewed: 2011-11-28

BRAHMS: EIN DEUTSCHES REQUIEM, OP. 45 / SERAPHIC FIRE PROFESSIONAL CHORAL INSTITUTE
Seraphic Fire, 2011

Brahms composed this four-hand piano score to accompany the requiem’s chorus, and bass and soprano soloists, in 1869 at the request of his publisher; it was intended for private, in-home enjoyment. He played it with Clara Schumann. Brahms derived the text from the German Luther Bible, and in contrast to the Catholic Requiem Mass, which focuses on the dead, this requiem focuses on the living, purposely omitting Christian dogma. The text moves from Bible verses about suffering and mourning to consolation. A German Requiem is unified compositionally by a three-note motif of a leap of a major third, usually followed by a half-step in the same direction. The first exposed choral entry presents the motif in the soprano voice (F–A–B♭). This motif pervades every movement and much of the thematic material in the piece. Best known is track 2

1. (7:49) Blessed Are Those Who Mourn. Slow, expressive, uplifting
*2. (12:30) For All Flesh Is As Grass. Beginning slow, elegiac. 2nd half up tempo, up mood, celebratory, then quietly joyous.
3. (8:22) Lord, Teach Me. Andante moderato. Seeking in minor mode, then hopeful in major mode. Joyful, fugal climax.
4. (5:02) How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place. Lovely melody embodies the text.
5. (6:19) You Now Have Sorrow. Slow. A heavenly soprano narrates and comforts over choral accompaniment.
6. (9:51) For Here We Have No Everlasting City. Wonder breaks out at 2:30. Glorious, celebratory fugal climax starts at 5:20.
7. (9:02) Blessed Are The Dead. Major key throughout. Powerful affirmation. Contentment: 2:00. Praise: 5:25, fade to eternity at 7:25.