At the beginning of the second movement, Brahms indicated “Like a march.” Indeed this is a death march, unstoppable and immensely powerful. Just as all plants have a life cycle, death will come to all of us and there is no stopping it. The music builds slowly, and after an enormous climax of awesome power, the death march subsides. Brahms temporarily moves to a major key with a more hopeful mood as he tells us to “be patient dear brethren until the coming of the Lord.” But the death march returns, again coming to a frightening climax. This time, as it subsides, it almost seems to stop. But here, in one of the great moments of the piece, Brahms places completely unexpected chords on the word “Aber: BUT! HOWEVER! The Lord’s word remains for eternity.” And the joy and rapture of the redeemed ones is depicted in music of extraordinary inspiration.

– Dennis Keene

Join us for our 30th Anniversary Season.
VIRTUAL EVENTS. REAL INSPIRATION.

JOHANNES BRAHMS Ein Deutsches Requiem - Movement 2

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director
Arlene Shrut & Anna Shelest, pianists

Recorded live in performance on January 30, 2014 at Church of the Ascension
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.