2025: Brahms Ein deutsches Requiem, plus motets by Bruckner & Mendelssohn
Saturday 1st February and Saturday 1st March 2025, at St Michael’s Church, Lewes
Accompanist: Howard Beach
Nick’s note:
“Brahms began writing his ‘German Requiem’ in 1865 shortly after the death of his mother. He was 32. Rather than set the traditional words of the Catholic Requiem Mass, Brahms chose texts from the bible that focused on the living, with an emphasis on hope – in some senses a Humanist requiem. It didn’t entirely meet with approval from clerics. Ein deutsches Requiem is Brahms’ longest work and is wonderfully dramatic. The (SATB) chorus sings in all seven movements, two with Baritone solo and one with Soprano soloist.
Although generally performed with full symphony orchestral accompaniment, Brahms created a version for four hands/one piano. The marvellous Howard Beach will attempt to play all four hands for our workshops!
We will be singing the Requiem in German using the Peters edition, and will cover the whole work over our two workshop days, plus additional short motets by Bruckner (February) and Mendelssohn (March). Bruckner’s Christus factus est is a gem of a piece for SATB, and Mendelssohn’s setting of Psalm 43 is an exciting motet for double choir.
1st February: Brahms Requiem Movements I-IV plus Bruckner: Christus factus est
1st March: Brahms Requiem Movements V-VII plus Mendelssohn: Psalm 43 (Richte mich, Gott)
Schedule:
10.30am – Registration/Tea & Coffee
11.00 – 1pm Morning session
1 – 2pm Lunch break – participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch and stay to eat it in the venue, or explore the area’s many eateries
2 – 4pm Afternoon session, including final sing-through
4pm – day ends
How to Book:
The cost is £25 per workshop day, to include all music hire plus tea/coffee, biscuits & cake. Places are limited and as usual Nick will be looking for a good balance of voice parts.
To book, please email workshops@musicsussex.org.uk stating your preferred voice part and we’ll get back to you with payment details. Please note, emails are answered in order of receipt and places are only confirmed when payment is received.