Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op 45, 4th Mvmt

Question 1

What is the genre of this work?

Answer 1

Sacred choral work

Question 2

What is the date of the first performance, and the date of the revised performance? What was changed in the revised performance, and why?

Answer 2

First performed in 1868 with 6 movements
Revised performance with extra movement added (inserted as the 5th movement) performed for the first time in 1869
The original 6 movements were intended to commemorate Robert Schumann, but Brahms later inserted the 5th movement in memory of his own mother.

Question 3

What is the language of the work?

Answer 3

German

Question 4

Give an English translation of the title, and explain the meaning of the word Requiem. Did Brahms have a slightly different take on this meaning?

Answer 4

“A German Requiem”. A requiem is traditionally a mass for the dead in the Catholic Church in Latin. However, Brahms obtained his texts from German translations of the Bible.

Question 5

What is the source of the text?

Answer 5

Old and new testaments of the German Lutheran bible

Question 6

What is the structure of this work, and it’s performing forces?

Answer 6

Seven movements

SATB chorus, orchestra, and Soprano and Baritone soloists

Question 7

Describe the “Arch like design” of this total work.

Answer 7

Movement 4 sits in the middle, with the movements on either side of it mirroring each other..
For example, Movement 1 and 7 are both gentle and in the key of F major. Movements 2 and 6 are dark, robust, and march-like. Movements 3 and 5 feature the soloists (baritone and soprano respectively). The baritone soloist also reappears in movement 6, but this does not take away from the symmetrical design. The fourth movement, which is at the core, is comforting and offers visions of heaven.

Question 8

What is the name of the fourth movement (of which we shall be studying), and it’s English translation?

Answer 8

Wie lieblich Sind deine Wohnungen, Herr Zebaoth

How lovely is Thy Dwelling Place, O Lord of Hosts

Question 9

What is the source of the text for the Fourth Movement specifically?

Answer 9

Psalm 84

Question 10

Cite the following in reference to the 4th movement specifically:
Key
Form
Tempo
Time Signature

Answer 10

Eb major
Rondo… A - B - A1 - C - A2
Moderately fast
3/4

Question 11

Give a summary of the English translation of text of the 4th movement.

Answer 11

The fourth movement speaks about God’s dwelling place, and how the soul yearns to be there. It praises those who have attained residence there. It describes how heaven’s residents are always praising the Lord.