Johannes Brahms composed his Requiem in memory of his mother. The critics were quick to offer their comments, but the composer persisted in maintaining his own approach toward expressing his emotions.
Brahms’ Requiem, completed in 1868, draws on the legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach. In setting texts from the German Bible, it does not follow the models of the Catholic liturgy. Rather, it imposes a sorrow – filled and consolatory statement on death in the manner of a poignant and cradle song for the dead.
One of my favorite Sopranos, Christiane Karg, participates in this new recording to be issued next month.
Here is this amazing work, as directed by Claudio Abbado:
