The countdown is on to one of the largest choral concerts ever produced in Waterford, with a very special performance of Johannes Brahms: A German Requiem, his largest work.
The concert will bring together 120 singers as Waterford’s Notable Works Choir are joined by the Wexford Festival Singers, Soprano Róisín O’Grady and Baritone Eoin Power and an orchestra of 42 musicians, with Dr. Kevin O’Carroll conducting.
This is a wonderful opportunity for people to hear Brahms deeply human and moving masterpiece on this scale in the very beautiful St. John’s Church. Notable Works has a reputation for presenting large scale choral works annually, and is well known for their staging of the seasonal and very popular Handel’s Messiah. The choir was founded in 2017 and draws members from Waterford City and County, as well as Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wexford.
Brahms’ sublime 1869 Requiem, sets verses from the Lutheran Bible and features music of gentle power. The soprano solo is considered to be one of Brahms’ most inspired compositions. Brahms was only thirty years old when he began composing his requiem, after the death of his beloved mother. It is sacred music; Brahms stated “as far as the title is concerned, I would be happy to remove the word ‘German’ and to replace it quite simply with ‘for humanity’”. This is an awe-inspiring work that is universal in spirit. Most of all, the focus was not on prayers for the souls of the departed but rather on comfort and solace for the living. The message in this Requiem is the acceptance of mortality and the transience of life, tempered by joy in the Lord’s promise of ultimate joy and comfort: “Death, O where is thy sting; Grave, where is thy triumph”.
Brahms A German Requiem. Sunday 30th November 8pm. St. John’s Church, Parnell Street, Waterford.
Tickets from www.theatreroyal.ie
