This piece is truly one of the great gems in the choral realm. I hope you enjoy it! I apologize that the background of this piece is quite dark, but it's crucial to understand in order to fully grasp this masterpiece.
Factoids:
- Brahms was a student and friend of Robert Schumann, who was a prolific composer in his own right.
- The Schumann family was very musical as Robert's wife, Clara was also an accomplished composer.
- Brahms and Clara had a very close relationship, the extent of which is the subject of much debate.
- Robert Schumann battled depression for much of his life, attempting suicide numerous times.
- Following his last attempt, Schumann was institutionalized for the rest of his life.
- This piece was given by Brahms to Clara Schumann around the time of her husband's passing.
- The text, which roughly translates to "let nothing ever grieve thee" makes this a fitting gift for someone in mourning.
- This piece shows Brahms masterful craftsmanship as it is a double canon (essentially a round, a la "row row row your boat")
- What makes this unique is that each pair of voices is separated by the interval of a 9th.
- Many theorist and respective composers will tell you it is virtually impossible to create anything of beauty offset by that interval.
Opinion:
The final Amen is one of the most magnificent settings in all of music!
Happy Listening!
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