Composer: Johannes Brahms
Works: Ein deutsches Requiem, Op. 45
Performers: Barbara Bonney (soprano), Bryn Terfel (baritone), Eric Ericson Chamber Choir, Swedish Radio Choir, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Claudio Abbado (conductor)
Recording: Recorded at the Musikverein, Vienna, 3 April 1997
Label: TDK DVD TH 05020767
Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, composed between 1865 and 1868, stands as one of the most profound choral works in the canon of Western music. Unlike the traditional liturgical Requiem, Brahms’ approach is humanistic, presenting a meditation on loss and consolation. It transcends the conventional boundaries of the genre, reflecting the composer’s deep engagement with themes of mortality and the comfort found in community and faith. The performance under Claudio Abbado, featuring the Berlin Philharmonic and distinguished soloists Barbara Bonney and Bryn Terfel, captures this essence with remarkable depth and poise.
The interpretation of Ein deutsches Requiem in this DVD is marked by Abbado’s signature blend of warmth and incisiveness. His conducting, characterized by a graceful economy of motion, allows for a nuanced exploration of Brahms’ intricate textures and emotional landscapes. The opening chorus, “Selig sind die da Leid tragen,” unfolds with a serene majesty, the Berlin Philharmonic’s strings generating a rich, sonorous backdrop. Abbado’s tempo choices are judicious, allowing the music to breathe, while the chorus exhibits a remarkable blend of clarity and richness, notably in the long lines that characterize Brahms’ choral writing.
Bonney’s contribution as soprano is particularly noteworthy. Her interpretation of “Ich habe nun einen Traurigkeit” is both poignant and technically assured. Bonney’s exquisite control over her dynamic range, coupled with her clear diction, allows the text to resonate with emotional authenticity. Despite the static visual presentation, the camera’s focus on her expressive performance makes the absence of subtitles less consequential, as her artistry speaks volumes. Terfel, in the baritone role, brings a resonant warmth to “Herr, lehre doch mich,” though his interpretative choices occasionally lack the sensitivity one might expect in the more introspective moments of the text.
Abbado’s ability to draw out the chorus’s potential reaches a zenith during the transition to the final fugue of “Herr, lehre doch mich.” The camera’s sweeping motion from Abbado’s baton to the ornate ceiling of the Musikverein creates a visual parallel to the music’s ascent, illustrating the grandeur of the performance. While some may critique Abbado’s style as restrained, it is this very quality that allows the music to unfold organically, free from excessive dramatization. The fugal writing toward the conclusion of “Denn wir haben” showcases the chorus’s stamina and precision, a testament to both their technical prowess and Abbado’s masterful direction.
Sound quality, while initially perceived as veiled, ultimately complements the ethereal nature of Brahms’ work. The recording captures a certain intimacy, aligning with the Requiem’s contemplative character. The engineering decisions reflect a careful balance, ensuring that the chorus remains prominent without overshadowing the orchestral foundation. This approach invites the listener to engage with the music on a personal level, mirroring the reflective journey that Brahms intended.
Comparatively, this performance stands alongside other notable interpretations, such as those by Herbert von Karajan and Nikolaus Harnoncourt, yet Abbado’s rendition is distinguished by its lyrical fluidity and the seamless interplay between orchestra and choir. His interpretation eschews the bombast found in some recordings, favoring instead a more introspective reading that resonates deeply with the listener.
The synergy of Abbado’s conducting, the exceptional contributions of Bonney and Terfel, and the commendable efforts of the Berlin Philharmonic create a performance of Ein deutsches Requiem that is both moving and intellectually engaging. The absence of text may be a missed opportunity for some viewers, yet the overall musical experience transcends this limitation. This DVD is essential viewing for those who appreciate a profound engagement with Brahms’ masterwork, offering insights not just into the music but into the very essence of human experience that it encapsulates.
