Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem

by Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Choir

Overview

When conductor Edward Gardner recorded this version of Brahms' A German Requiem, Op. 45, in early 2024, he had been chief conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and its chorus for nearly ten years. One is struck by the extent to which he can demand and get a strong effect from the orchestra. Recordings of the Brahms Requiem are abundant, but Gardner sets a fresh tone immediately with the sound of his triple choirs, which are sparkling and point the way directly to the heavens above. This is the way throughout, with beauty favored over warmth and big statements of faith. Gardner's pace, at over 68 minutes for the whole, is a bit slower than average, and there are many passages in which he makes space for sheer lyricism. Listeners for whom the fourth section, "Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen" (often translated into English as "How lively is Thy Dwelling Place"), carries the central emotional thrust of the entire mass may find Gardner overly straightforward here, but there is no question that each section seems to follow its predecessor in a clear and inevitable way. Gardner picks two soloists -- baritone Brian Mulligan and soprano Johanna Wallroth -- that fit his overall interpretation; they are clean and shining rather than necessarily heartfelt. There is a great deal of beautiful choral and orchestral writing in this work, and Gardner's reading is the place to find it; for warmth and emotion, go instead to one of the classic German recordings. This album landed on classical best-seller lists in early 2025, several weeks in advance, one may note, of its official release date. ~ James Manheim

Product Details

Release Date:	05/02/2025
Label:	CHANDOS
UPC:	0095115527122

Tracks

1. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45~I. Selig sind, die da Leid tragen
2. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45~II. Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras - So seid nun geduldig, lieben Brüder - Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras - Aber des Herrn Wort bleibet in Ewigkeit - Die Erlöseten des Herrn werden wieder kommen
3. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45~III. Herr, lehre doch mich
4. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45~IV. Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen
5. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45~V. Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit
6. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45~VI. Denn wir haben hie keine bleibende Stadt - Denn es wird die Pasaune schallen - Herr, du bist würdig zu nehmen Preis und Ehre und Kraft
7. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45~VII. Selig sind die Toten

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Edward Gardner   Primary Artist,Conductor
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra   Primary Artist,Orchestra
Bergen Philharmonic Chorus   Primary Artist,Choir/Chorus
Brian Mulligan   Baritone (Vocal)
Edvard Grieg Kor   Choir/Chorus
Collegium Musicum Choir   Choir/Chorus
Johanna Wallroth   Soprano (Vocal)