Big concert in Bad Reichenhall: Brahms' Requiem inspires the crowds!

Big concert in Bad Reichenhall: Brahms' Requiem inspires the crowds!

On October 31st at 7:30 p.m., the spa guest center in Bad Reichenhall will be the venue for the sixth subscription concert of the Bad Reichenhall Philharmonic. Johannes Brahms’ masterpiece is on the program under the motto “German Requiem”. On this special occasion, not only the Bad Reichenhall Philharmonic Orchestra will be heard, but also the motet choir of the Evangelical City Church of Bad Reichenhall and the Traunstein choir, both of which were rehearsed under the direction of experienced conductors. General music director Daniel Spaw is responsible for overall management and initiated rehearsals after Easter, with the choirs initially working separately.

Let's take a look at the program: Listeners can look forward to "A German Requiem, Op. 45", which is known for its sensitive treatment of topics such as dying and eternal life. Brahms' composition differs from traditional requiems because it is written not in Latin but in colloquial German and is primarily aimed at giving comfort and hope to the living. This is also evident in the selection of text, which addresses both warning and confidence. The work not only consisted of musical challenges for the singers, but also offered ample opportunity to reflect on the expressive power of music

Insights into rehearsal work

The two choirs have prepared intensively for the concert. The rehearsals for the approximately 100 choir singers took place using a piano reduction by Daniel Spaw. Two days of rehearsals together made it possible to perfect the musical harmony. Particularly noteworthy are the reflected feedback from the singers, who often share their performance experiences in quiet conversations after the concert. This shows how deeply the music touches and what effect it has on the participants.

Brahms' “German Requiem” itself is a work of remarkable structure and emotionality, written between 1865 and 1868. It traveled from grief to comfort, reflecting both personal loss and universal human experiences. The composition includes seven movements and places particular emphasis on the experiences of the living. The Requiem depicts the hope for spiritual healing and the search for enlightenment.

The uniqueness of Brahms' Requiem

A hallmark of Brahms' composition is his preference for the German language, which gives the work a particularly accessible character. While traditional requiems usually use liturgical texts in Latin, here Brahms puts people and their emotions in the foreground. The structure and lack of Christian content caused mixed reactions in the past, but the musical craftsmanship remained undisputed. It's not just a musical performance; it is an invitation to engage with fundamental questions of life that are woven into the music.

Overall, the upcoming Bad Reichenhall Philharmonic concert on October 31st promises a moving sound experience and an evening that takes listeners on an emotional journey that touches the heart. For further information and tickets, visit the Philharmonic website at brphil.de.