JOHANNES BRAHMS
Ein deutsches Requiem nach Worten der Heiligen Schrift, op. 45
Orchester und Chor der Tiroler Festspiele Erl
Conductor Roland Böer
Soprano Florina Ilie
Bariton Domen Križaj
Johannes Brahms started composing choral and orchestral works with the greatest of this genre: the German Requiem for two soloists, four-part choir and orchestra. There were several occasions for the young composer to make his mark in public
music life with a requiem: the death of his mentor Robert Schumann, the death of his mother. Yet it also gave him the opportunity to present his compositional skill in grand contrapuntal progressions, motet style, chorale-like passages, liedlike
melodious solo parts as well as antiphonal and responsorial sections as a continuation of ancient sacred music. What is remarkable is the almost equal treatment of the choir and orchestra. For long passages the instrumental ensemble is like a second choir. The Choir and Orchestra of the Tyrol Festival Erl under German conductor Roland Böer will thus grow together as a polyphonic community and partners in dialogue. In between, the two vocal soloists (Florina Ilie, soprano, Domen Križaj,
baritone) have individual arioso lyrical sections. Brahms himself chose and compiled the Biblical, mournful and consoling texts. A
solemn, uplifting finale to the festival 2022.