Brahms Requiem: I Selig sind, die da Leid tragen · Danderyds Vokalensemble

November 10, 2013 in Danderyds kyrka (Danderyd's Church)
Danderyds Vokalensemble
Conductor: Rikard Karlsson
Piano: Henrik Berg
Soprano: Karin Andersson
Baryton: Oskar Johansson
Recorded by: Ingo Petry (sound) David Böling (video)
www.danderydsvo...
Johannes Brahms wrote Ein Deutsches Requiem op 45 for large orchestra and chorus in periods during the entire 1860:s. The first performance ot the whole work with orchestra, as it is usually performed, was in Leipzig on February 18, 1869. However, already on January 3, a performance of the work had taken place in Dessau with a small chorus and soloists in the "Klavierauszug-version". This version of the work had been completed by Brahms himself. Brahms was one of the best pianists of his time.
Although the piano part sometimes is so extensive and virtuoso that it sometimes seems stronger than a full orchestra, the choral sound comes into different light with piano accompaniment. Brahms asks the chorus again and again in the score to sing "dolce". To sing sweetly, transparent and soft becomes possible in an entirely different way with the accompaniment of the piano. There is also room for a chamber music-like sensibility, if not intimacy, in this version, which serves one aspect of the work's soul - a hope of consolation for those of us who mourn.
Rikard Karlsson
Also with Danderyd Vocal Ensemble:
Brahms requiem arr. for Chamber ensemble: • Brahms Requiem, Chambe...

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Interesting, this version with piano. I have never heard it before, but it works surprisingly well, even though I have the orchestral version well in my ear.