The magnificent final movement could be considered an epilogue. It returns to the F Major tonality of the opening movement and the instrumental accompaniment recalls the comforting music of the beginning. The sopranos enter with an immensely inspiring, soaring melody, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” The basses repeat the melody, followed by the whole chorus in some of the most heart-felt music ever composed. A comforting instrumental interlude follows. And then, on the words, “Yes, the Holy Spirit declares they shall rest from their labors,” the movement modulates to a new key (A Major), and in this modulation the work moves to a whole new world where there is nothing but peace. This A Major section is one of Brahms’ great miracles, a world filled with so much light. And when we return to F Major and the opening theme, now in the tenors, it seems all the more victorious and overfilled with joy. The work ends peacefully with thematic material from the opening movement. All is resolved. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” – Dennis Keene

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BRAHMS Ein Deutsches Requiem - Movement 7

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director
Anna Shelest and Arlene Shrut, Pianists

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