“Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit,” the fifth movement for soprano solo and chorus, was composed at a later date than the rest of the Requiem and was added to what had already been a completed (and performed) work. It has usually been thought that the death of Brahms’ mother during this period inspired its composition. It is indeed the most inward and personal movement of the piece. It is as if the soprano were speaking to one specific individual: “You now have great sorrow, but it will eventually pass and you will have joy again.” One million delicate, subtle feelings are expressed in this amazing movement. And the chorus is used almost as a Greek chorus, commenting from afar on the thoughts of the soprano. – Dennis Keene

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JOHANNES BRAHMS Ein Deutsches Requiem - Movement 5

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director
Arlene Shrut & Anna Shelest, Pianists
Martha Guth, Soprano

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.