Brahms' Requiem

[Brahmsian]

One of the greatest choral works of the 19th century was Brahms' German Requiem. One of the most popular misconceptions of this masterpiece is that is was written in memory of his mother. In fact, the origins can be traced to Robert Schumann's death who had his own sketches of a requiem. Only the fifth movment, which has a direct reference to motherly love is for his mother. This movement was added later. Personally my favorite movment is "Denn Alles Fleisch." I have the Gardiner version of the Requiem and the crescendos are overwhelming. Any other comments on this requiem? Favorie recordings?

[BenG]

Brahmsian,<P>As you know, 'A German Requiem" was one of Brahms' earliest and most successful masterpieces. (Unlike his first piano concerto which was hissed off the stage). I have Otto Klemperer's version. Otto resisted the Nazis and his son carried on the tradition. Otto Klemperer's son was "Colonel Klink" in 'Hogan's Heros,' and he enjoyed portraying the Nazis as witless buffoons...but that's another story.<P>Like you, I also enjoy "Denn alles Fleisch es ist wie Gras." (Flesh is like grass--ready to be cut down...in other words, we're here for a brief moment, then gone). The biography I mentioned delves into this work in depth and it was very interesting.<P>BTW, I also like Mozart's Requiem very much. <P>--BenG