Ein deutsches Requiem

Ein deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) is a large-scale choral work written by Johannes Brahms in 1868; it is Brahms' Op. 45.

Related Topics:
Johannes Brahms - 1868 - Op.

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In contrast to the usual requiem, which is in Latin, Ein deutsches Requiem is based on German texts from Martin Luther's bible. It does not have the formal liturgical structure of a requiem, but is rather a meditation on mortality. The traditional liturgy consists of prayers for the dead; in Ein deutsches Requiem the emphasis is on comforting the living.

Related Topics:
Requiem - Latin - German - Martin Luther

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It is considered one of Brahms' major works—requiring about seventy minutes to perform, it is his longest single composition—and an important piece of Western classical music.

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The work is scored for two solo vocalists (soprano and baritone), orchestra, chorus and organ ad lib and is in seven movements:

Related Topics:
Soprano - Baritone - Orchestra - Chorus - Organ

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• Selig sind, die da Leid tragen (Blessed are they that mourn)
• Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras (For all flesh is as grass)
• Herr, lehre doch mich (Lord, make me to know mine end)
• Wie lieblich sind Deine Wohnungen (How lovely is thy dwelling place)
• Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit (And ye now therefore have sorrow)
• Denn wir haben hie keine bleibende Statt (For here have we no continuing city)
• Selig sind die Toten, die in dem Herrn sterben (Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord)

The first complete performance was in 1869. Brahms published a piano arrangement of the work for four hands for performance in London some years later.

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