Opera Scotland

Deutsches Requiem A German Requiem; Ein deutsches Requiem

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Music

Johannes Brahms (born Hamburg, 7 May 1833; died Vienna, 3 April 1897).

Text

Composer

Source

Selected from Lutheran Bible.

Premieres

First Performance (6 movements): Bremen (Cathedral), 10 April 1868.

First Performance (complete): Leipzig (Gewandhaus), 18 February 1869.

First Performance in UK: tbc.

First Performance in Scotland: tbc.

Background

Brahms is believed to have been inspired to compose a Requiem following the death of his mother. The death of Schumann may also have had some influence. He selected sections from the Lutheran Bible. The work is scored for mixed chorus and orchestra, with soprano and baritone soloists. The fifth movement, the soprano's only appearance, was added after the rest had been premiered. The baritone has two solos.