A German Requiem

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Composer Johannes Brahms wrote A German Requiem (German Ein deutsches Requiem) after the death of his mother in 1865. The text was taken from the Bible, but otherwise does not follow the typical liturgical setting of the Requiem Mass. Moreover, as the title implies, the text is in German, and more aligned with the philosophical beliefs prevalent in late 19th-century German-speaking countries than with Christian doctrine.

It is cast in seven movements, and requries between 70 and 80 minutes to perform.

Movements

I. Selig sind, die da Leid tragen

"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4)
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:5-6)

II. Denn alles Fleisch es ist wie Gras

III. Herr, lehre doch mich

IV. Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen

V. Ihr hab nun Traurigkeit

VI. Denn wir haben hier keine bleibende Statt

VII. Selig sind die Toten