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| BRAHMS – A GERMAN REQUIEM - Sung in English
Born in Hamburg, Germany, Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), went on to worldwide acclaim as a pianist, teacher, conductor and composer. Even though he lived during the days of the romantic composers, his works were always in the clas |
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| BRAHMS – A GERMAN REQUIEM - Sung in English
Born in Hamburg, Germany, Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), went on to worldwide acclaim as a pianist, teacher, conductor and composer. Even though he lived during the days of the romantic composers, his works were always in the classical mould.
Historical Context
1833: Slavery abolished in the British Empire. Brahms is born.
1836: Charles Dickens publishes Pickwick Papers.
1837: Victoria becomes Queen of England.
1846: Sewing machine patented by Elias Howe.
1861: U.S. Civil War begins.
1866: Dynamite is invented.
1879: Thomas A. Edison invents electric light.
1885: World’s first skyscraper built in Chicago.
1888: Jack the Ripper murders in London.
1895: Motion pictures premiered in Paris.
After an initial period of writing that lasted from 1861 to 1868, and partial performances in Vienna and Bremen, the first complete performance of the work that Brahms entitled A German Requiem was heard in the Gewandhaus of Leipzig on February 18, 1869. This title, A German Requiem, seemed to indicate that the work is not a setting of the traditional Latin text of the Mass for the Dead, like those of Mozart and Cherubini, and later Berlioz and Verdi. It really breaks all the rules for being a requiem, yet it’s probably the most loved and frequently performed piece of music by that name.
“As far as the text is concerned, I must confess that I would also gladly omit the ‘German’ and simply say ‘mankind,’” wrote Brahms to Karl Martin Rheintaler, who prepared the Bremen performance. The work is therefore intended to be a requiem addressed to “mankind,” using the common understood language of his country rather than the formal religious language of the Church, Latin.
Written in memory of his mother Christine, Brahms considered the standard Latin requiem a bit heavy on hell, judgment, and other depressing themes. He delved into his German Bible (translated by Martin Luther) and found scriptures that emphasized the more joyous and peaceful elements of death.
It’s subject is not so much about the memory of the dead as it is the comfort of the living. This is seen in the choice of the biblical texts that Brahms himself put together. Following the example of the opening words, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall have comfort,” all of the movements that begin with fateful phrases – “Behold, all flesh is as the grass,” “Lord, make to know the measure of my days,” and “Here on earth we have no continuing place” – end with comforting words of reconciliation.
Brahms began all his composing by appealing directly to His Maker. He stated, “I first ask Him the three most important questions pertaining to our life here in this world—whence, wherefore, whither.”
More than a century after its creation, A German Requiem is a tremendous source of encouragement for believers who are faced with the realities of life and death.
Its continual pointing to God as the Source of all comfort and hope is a reminder from which anyone can benefit. Death is never the end for the believer, it is really only the beginning of the understanding and fruition of all our hopes and desires while here on Earth.
Since this work is built upon a very sensitive borrowing from the Scripture, the performance on this recording is sung in English to enable the most complete understanding for the majority of listeners.
Produced by Eric Wyse
Executive Producers: Peter Sternberg & Richard Martin
(P) & © MMIII Classic Fox Records
www.foxrecords.co.uk
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MASTERWORKS OF WORSHIP SERIES
Classical music can be a most exhilarating and satisfying sensory experience. However you uncover the gems of classical masterpieces, whether on a recording or in a live concert, the genius of the composer, as well as the emotional and spiritual underpinings all contribute to the uniqueness of each piece.
For Christians there is an added bonus to listening to much of this kind of music, since it was, in fact the praise and worship music of its time. This was the music that came out of the church, written to encourage and inspire believers to turn their attention toward the Kingdom of Heaven. Have you ever listened to a passage of classical music and felt something spiritual, that you couldn’t put your finger on? Many of these composers lived lives that were intensely spiritual, and used their music as a way to communicate their faith. Sounds like the contemporary Christian music scene of today, doesn’t it?
The Masterworks of Worship collection is an opportunity for you to sink into some of the greatest sacred classical masterpieces ever composed. You may have heard some of the music before, but perhaps you’ve never taken the time to find out what they were really saying in the lyrics. Here is a chance for you to pump new life into your daily worship through an inspirational connection with the classics as you find that these composers have put into words the thoughts you’ve only had in your heart.
The following notes provide an insight to each composer and their work. Wherever possible lyric translations have been included for pieces performed in languages other than English - a resource which we hope will provide you with the greatest possible understanding, enjoyment and appreciation of these celebrated classics.
TITLES AVAILABLE IN THE SERIES:
MASTERWORKS OF WORSHIP VOLUME 1
1. Handel - MESSIAH (Highlights)
2. Mozart - CORONATION MASS
3. Brahms - REQUIEM
4. GREAT CHORUSES (With Full Orchestra)
MASTERWORKS OF WORSHIP VOLUME 2
1. Bach - ST. JOHN’S PASSION (Highlights)
2. Vivaldi - GLORIAS
3. Haydn - CREATION (Highlights)
4. GREGORIAN CHANT
MASTERWORKS OF WORSHIP VOLUME 3
1. Beethoven - MISSA SOLEMNIS
2. GREAT INSTRUMENTALS
3. Rachmaninov - VESPERS
4. Stainer - CRUCIFIXION
Produced by Eric Wyse
Executive Producers: Peter Sternberg & Richard Martin
(P) & © MMIII Classic Fox Records
www.foxrecords.co.uk |
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