Brahms Requiem at Jordan Hall
8 Nov 2009: Before, Brahms and Beyond with the Boston Cecilia, Jordan Hall, Boston, MA
November’s performance of the Brahms Requiem and choral pieces by Schuetz and Whitacre presented similarities and contrasts between themes of calm and death. I was intrigued to rehearse these very different works throughout the fall months and contemplate the changing leaves to “selig sind die Toten” (blessed are the dead) and Whitacre’s idea of “surrendering unto Sleep”. Although these three works came from different eras — Baroque, Romantic and composed within the last decade — they all interpreted the calming effect that music can give to the human spirit.
We, the Boston Cecilia, sang this concert in collaboration with Belmont’s Musica Sacra under the baton of Mary Beekman and a splendid professional orchestra. The Brahms’ heavy orchestration and lush choral parts needs the number of voices our two groups provided, and the resulting performance was well-received.
Although this collaborative performance required more rehearsal time, commuting and score study than the norm, I think that it was well worth the effort. The Brahms Requiem is a stalwart in choral music and, for me, will be difficult to forget. I look forward to the opportunity to sing it again, soon!
