Brahms' German Requiem. May 26th 2018

Here's a Concert You Must Not Miss!!
 
We could say something like, “By Popular Demand”, or “Brahms’ Block Buster Returns”, but it actually would not matter what we say – Brahms’ German Requiem, Opus 45, is one of the most magnificent choral works ever written. Brahms, the consummate tune smith, weaves lovely melodies, profound phrases, glorious solos, and a stupendous organ score into seven stunning movements which complement and enhance the libretto taken entirely from the Bible and the Apocrypha. All the emotions are brought into play and the piece is a roller coaster running between hope and despair. It could be said that Brahms seems pre-occupied by death, but the whole work is pervaded by a sense of hope and triumph over death. Most importantly, he has produced a musical masterpiece, which since its first performance in full, on February 18th 1869 in Leipzig, has been a prized addition to the repertoires of choirs worldwide.
 
The Civic Choir is proud to present this amazing work, conducted by Musical Director, Nigel Williams, accompanied on organ by Douglas Mews with Yoshi Tsuruta on timpani, and with soloists Elaine Wogan (soprano) and Joel Amosa (baritone). The venue will be St Peters Church, Cameron Road, and the concert begins at 7.30pm.
 
One thing that you will notice is that the choir has grown. While we may not all be part of this concert, we are over 60 strong, and it shows. We are now struggling to get everyone on our staging and (we think) the sound is even better than previously. Having said that, we could still use more altos and tenors.
 
So join us on the 26th May. We are really enjoying our rehearsals of this exciting work and I think that you will enjoy it more than us!
 
Finally, here is a point to ponder. You will note that our publicity material is super-imposed on the face of Johannes Brahms. If you look closely, you will see a rather dour, bearded German chap, who could hardly be described as a joy-germ – well at least at face value. But what you are seeing is the face of one of the most prolific composers of the most beautiful melodies this world has ever heard. So don't judge a book by its cover, or a composer by his face!!