NDPC presents Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem
NDPC Community Choir and Orchestra
Conducted by Huu Mai

Soloists:
    Gillian Hollis, soprano
    Cory Schantz, baritone

Saturday, May 16, 7:00 pm
Pre-concert talk at 6:00 pm
Admission is free

Johannes Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) is unusual. Rather than a setting of the traditional Latin Requiem Mass (for example, Mozart’s or Fauré’s), it is a majestic expression of the themes of life and death, sorrow and comfort, grief and hope.

Although we do not know the full story of its origin, it is likely that the impetus to compose this oratorio arose from the death of Brahms’ mother in 1865. He carefully selected scripture passages from Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible—hence a German requiem—that gave voice not only to his emotions, but to the larger themes surrounding the complexity and mystery of human life. Brahms brought together important passages from both the Old and New Testaments so that the central emotions of sorrow and solace can be experienced as closely related to one another. In contrast to many other oratorios of his time, Brahms places the choir—the voice of the community—at the center of this celebration of those who have gone before us.

To learn more about this marvelous work—its themes, history, and highlights—please join us for a pre-concert talk at 6:00 pm, led by our Music Director, Huu Mai.

There will be an opportunity for a free-will offering. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.