Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ MDR-Rundfunkchor ∙ Solisten ∙ David Zinman 

This work was one of my wifes first experiences with classical music - she had known i had a deep love of classical and that i play the piano and we went once to a concert of Beethoven's 4th symphony. she loved it. Not long after her father, after a long illness, passed away and hurt her deeply. A few months later the local symphony and chorus announced a performance of the Brahms Requiem. I had explained to her what a requiem was and gave some examples of Mozart and Durufle. She wanted to go to the Brahms Requiem. I told her the background of how Brahms discarded the traditional latin text, and instead replaced it with texts from the german bible, and that he had said he wrote it for those who were left behind to cope with their loss, and that it was entirely in german. Monitors were around the concert hall to give the translation in english. the first beats of the opening movement started at at 1:51 here, where the chorus enteres saying (in english) "blessed are those who mourn..." she burst into tears and cried silently. she was enraptured by the entire work, especially the 4th movement. She said after the concert how she felt so peaceful and relieved, and i said "THAT is what Brahms intended". she now loves Brahms and cant wait to go to another concert of his music.

I am a Jesuit priest. While writing the funeral homily for the Jesuit whose impact on my life can never be overestimated, indeed it was second only to my dad's who had been for over forty years at that point, I was struggling to put thoughts on paper. Had this playing as I wrote. At the middle of part VI "Hölle, wo ist dein Sieg?" I lost it completely, sobbing at my desk for twenty minutes. And then the homily wrote itself. It will be ten years in November since George died. I still can't hear this chorus without tears. The only change is that they are no longer tears of grief but of gratitude and great joy.

Proud to say with 19years of age, I sang this song with a choir in Berlin. One of the best moments of my life. I was definitely singing along🌷

Wow! what a stunning performance. I too sang this many years ago in college. I remember our conductor while introducing this piece to us said if ever there was a piece of music that will have an everlasting effect on your life this is it. And how true. Fifty years later I am still in awe of this music. I am listening to this while at home under the covid19 quarantine . How appropriate this requiem is now as I think of all the souls that have been lost to this viscous pandemic. May they all rest in peace , and may this music give peace to their families forever.

All of Brahms' genius is encapsulated in this work. His use of the chorus; his mastery of the orchestra; his amazing melodies; his deep sense of occasion. It is all there.

Danket dem Hern, denn er ist freundlich, und seine Gutte wahret ewiglich.

Es ist überraschend, wie unterschiedlich das deutsche Requiem von Brahms im Vergleich mit den "lateinischen" Requiem Mozarts, Cherubinis, Berliozs, Verdis klingt. Als Katholik der Nachkonzilszeit, ich muss bekennen, dass die Protestanten uns viel über die Beziehung mit dem Tod lehren könnten.

Ich höre das mit Tränen in den Augen. Besonders das Stück „Selig sind, die da leit tragen“ Das hatte sich mein im letzten Jahr verstorbener Vater für seine Einäscherung ausgesucht.....

In 3 weeks I will be singing this master piece as a tenor with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in Salzburg. This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music to sing. It is very challenging but it is a true treasur! Lovely performance! It makes you melt inside as you sing it

I really missed the days when we could go to concerts freely whenever we want..

During my 70 years of choral singing I've sung this several times--in English, in German, with organ, with orchestra, in churches medium sized and large, in great concert halls--and, God willing, I'll get to sing it in my next life. I love Bach and all the others, but this piece has a sublimity achieved by no other work that I know. Thank you for another beautiful performance.

If Brahms had written nothing else, he would still have the genius status he now has and so rightly earned. Stunningly beautifully done.

J'ai 58 ans, c'est la première fois que j'entends ce requiem de Brahms, hé oui tout arrive dans la vie, je n'ai pas de mots assez fort pour vous décrire ce que je ressens, c'est divin. Merci Sinfonierorchester MDR-Rundfunkchor. Merci au chef d'orchestre, merci aux musiciens, aux chanteurs.

Incredible performance. I sang this work under Robert Shaw's direction in the early 1990's in Maine. My now deceased wife and I sang it together in 2014. And I sing it again in March.

Fantastic. Best brahma piece ever. Beautifully presented God bless you all

For me this is a masterpiece. I have listened to it 40 years of my life. When my father died, my sister and I sat beside his bed and listened to it

The biggest hour of Brahms and one of the biggest for the German Classical Music.

Of all romantic music this is the most moving piece I know. If ever I die (and I assume I one day will), I hope my loved ones will listen to this music and feel comforted by it. I remember singing Brahms' requiem myself as member of a choir in The Netherlands. It is very difficult and I admire the choir and orchestra in it his superb recording for making it look so easy. I have heard many recordings but this one is one of the best I know. Bravissimo maestro Zinman! Thank you!

this is one of the crowning achievements of the western art music tradition. from Johann Sebastian to Johannes.

Wunderschön. Ich habe es schon mitgesungen und singe es wieder. Und dieses wunderbare Stück Musik ist daran "schuld", dass ich jederzeit Rockmusik und andere Stile gegen Klassik eintauschen würde. Jederzeit. Und es toll ist, seine Gefühle da hereinlegen zu können.

Ein Spitzen-Orchester, würde ich sagen. Perfekter Klang! Der Chor entsprechend.

When I was 14 or 15 years old, we had a summer youth choir at our little church in Hickman Mills, a suburb of Kansas City, MO. The director was a college student, home for the summer. We all knew him, he had graduated from our high school just a year or two earlier. He taught us to sing "How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place." He didn't tell us it was hard, so we just learned it and sang it, including the fugue, LOL. I have sung it many times since, in English and German, in various choirs over the years (I'm 84 now). I still don't have to look at the music. Dave Zinman was a classmate at Oberlin. He probably wouldn't remember me, I was in the College, he was in the Conservatory, but I remember him. So glad to see him still working.

Et les voix de soprani et tenori sont exceptionnelles de pureté, et de justesse, je suis aux anges !!!!

I just sang this in Bethlehem Pennsylvania USA under the direction of Steven Sametz his last concert . He created a community choir and we sang it as his sending off into his retirement. The performance is so much more than a Performance. It is a communion of hearts and souls of everyone on the stage lead by Doc Sametz who makes it happen. I look forward to doing this again someday.

Göttlich ! Mögen sich alle Menschen wieder erinnern an das wahre Göttliche 🫶

I firmly believe the very, very best camera crew for classical music is in Frankfurt.

Last night, our choir sang this wonderful music in Exeter, UK.... So so gorgeous.... Heavenly.... 🥹

Tolles Stück, sehr schön dirigiert und gespielt und richtig gut Produziert! Auch ein großes Lob an Christiane Karg, wunderschön! Danke!

Here I am, back to listen to this again.

If only I could like this infinitely many times!! Sublime music, sublimely performed by my favourite orchestra

Super Orchester, beeindruckender Chor, schöne Solostimmen, ganz große Leistung des Dirigenten, für mich ein besonders schönes Erlebnis.

Merveilleux, sublime plus je l'écoute et plus je l'aime ❤ merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo

How many listeners, I wonder, notice that the wonderfully deep, somber timbre of the opening movement comes from the fact that the violins-all the violins-are silent, as if mourning, throughout that one part. Then, their brighter, a bit drier, tones yield the higher voices of the second movement, particularly starting with the phrase, "Das Gras ist verdorret und die Blume abgefallen. So seid nun geduldig, lieben Brüder..." _The grass is withered and the flower fallen away. Therefore, be patient, dear brethren..._

This music is just fantastic! So wonderfully played and directed! I thank this channel so much for this and for having a chance to listen music without terrible interruptions from advertising! My deep gratitude!!!

Sublime ! ich habe keine worte für diesen preformance !

This brings back so many memories. I had the wonderful opportunity to sing this with the Texas All-State Choir way back in 1989. Masterpieces never cease touching our hearts no matter how much time passes.

I played this piece in concert the day after I found out a friend of mine from a community band had passed away. The text and music was extremely moving for me that day. Sublime playing, thank you for sharing.

I really think this choir is the most balanced and well rehearsed of any I have heard ding thi

Mir gehen die Worte aus, nur: Herrlich, glänzend, prächtig, erhaben...

Wow! David Zinman was the conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic while I was at Eastman circa 1984-1986 and we sang a rehearsal with the RPO of the Cosi fan tutte finale of Act 1. A great experience and a very compelling conductor. What an amazing thing to see him here 30+ years later, and to think I sang in the Alte Oper a couple of times as a soloist. What a great hall!

Sehr edel und schön aufgeführt! Mir wurde ganz warm ums Herz

Ειναι ενα απο τα δυσκολοτερα ερμηνευτικα εργα και εδω εχουμε μια αριστουργηματικη εκτελεση .Μπραβο.!!!!❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

I plan to have the 2nd movement played at my celebration of life which, I hope, is many years from now. This music is simply stunning. So many moods and aspects of the end of life.

Although I have no belief in God, gods, an immortal soul, or an afterlife, I have a powerful attraction to requiems. They touch on emotions rarely found in other music, and they often are among the greatest works of the greatest composers, as in this case. I can never listen to "Denn alles Fleisch es ist wie Gras" without tears because loss and consolation are part of the human condition. A wonderful performance and recording all around. It's strange that this is the first time I've ever seen Zinman perform.

Gorgeous, stunning, superbly played and sung.

Ich liebe Brahms`sche Musik, gerade in Zeiten wie diesen, die wir jetzt gerade haben. Corona u. a. Krankheiten, Kriege, Verbrechen... Die Musik ist samt dem TEXT SO TRÖSTEND!

Another stunning trendsetter from the HR. This performance will stand forever!

Eine der besten Aufnahmen, die man auf RU-vid vom "Brahms-Requiem" findet! Klare Aussprache, großartige Balance auch innerhalb der Chorstimmen, das (meiner Meinung nach) stimmigste Ritardando im VI. Satz, und als Krönung Bismarck als Dirigent ;-) Sehr gelungen, macht Freude beim Hören!

Is there music ever created more overflowing with grief than "Denn alles Fleisch es ist wie Gras"? Incredible.

That was marvelous performance. The Choir outstanding....

I cannot comment on the musical qualities of these broadcasts (to my shame). However, I marvel at what I perceive to be the magnificent sound engineering, creating a truly immersive experience. Thank you for making these publicly available.

My choir at Nortwestern participated in this with the Chicano Symphony under Bruno Walter . I cannot believe it to this day. I cannot forget his beautiful and gentle face.

Ich liege mit Fieber und Corona im Bett und höre zum wiederholten Male dieses Requiem. Diese Harmonien berühren zu tiefst und eröffnen die Sinne für das Transzendente. Komm, Trost der Welt.

I sang this in the Fleishmann Choir in Cork, Ireland about 15 years ago or more and I know every line. It's so beautiful and is almost unworldly. For me its the nearest thing to heavenly music I will hear on earth. The final movement is redolent of the ascent at the end. I am forever grateful to the wonderful Dr. Geoffrey Spratt for introducing the Requiem to the choir. I missed the opportunity to sing it again in 2018. Lucky choir. This particular version is one of the most perfect renditions I have heard. Very well done to the Orchestra, Choir and the man who makes it all happen, the conductor. The work that goes into a performance like this is immense.

Bravo bravo bravooooo, todos maravillosos, GRACIAS.

This is the most elegant group of people I have ever seen in one place

eine fantastische Aufnahme: durch die großartige Kameraführung und den tollen Schnitt kommen nicht nur die Musikliebhaber auf ihre Kosten. Man lernt jedes Mitglied des Chors und Orchesters im Detail kennen und genießt die hingebungsvolle Arbeit dieses begnadeten Dirigenten. Brahms war mir bis dato immer als allzu "schwerer" Komponist in Erinnerung - hier kommt er mit einer Leichtigkeit rüber, die mich sogar an Mozart erinnert...

I will perform in this for the tenth time 9 weeks from this writing. This will by my swan song at 85 years old. It gives me deep peace to sing it, especially the 4th movement.

Almost 3 years ago my trophy wife from the Pacific Islands passed from covid in my hometown in IN. Sold our home and now live in shadow of Diamond Head, Honolulu, where she looks down on me from a heavenly Paradise, and guides my life. This requiem touches my soul

At first I thought it was too slow but almost immediately I was pulled into it and felt the deep beauty of each note so carefully placed. It reached into the very depths of my heart. This is the most beautiful rendition of the most beautiful requiem. I have so many things to do right now and I cannot leave this.

What a fabulous performance - the best one I've been able to track down on RU-vid so far. I'll be singing this once again at the end of March. One of my all time favourite pieces, and it has been since I first heard it as a child.

Was auch für eine brillante Aufnahme - filmisch, die Farben, wow ... sehr beeindruckende Kameraführung.

Ich höre dieses Werk schon zum xten Mal und bin immer wieder gerührt.

I'm a baritone and this will be our next concert with the choir I sing with, on April 20 in Florence. I'm so exited

Eine unglaublich beeindruckende Aufführung. Der Chor ist großartig und stimmgewaltig. Das Orchester ist für mich faszinierend. Das disziplinierte Zusammenspiel zwischen Chor, Orchester, Solisten und Dirigent mit einer so großen Aufmerksamkeit ist einer der besten Werte und Fähigkeiten, die für mich in Deutschland zu finden sind. Die Kameraführung macht das Video sehr lebendig. Vielen Dank

Du pur bonheur, surtout en ces temps incertains, ça fait vraiment du bien

Zuerst habe ich gedacht: mit Krückstock, oh je! Beim Hören allerdings wünschte ich mir immer mehr, dieses Werk wenigstens einmal auch unter Zinman mitsingen zu dürfen. Ein großartiger Musikgestalter!

I 0:44 Selig sind, die da Leid tragen II 12:05 Denn alles Fleisch es ist wie Gras III 27:08 Herr, lehre doch mich IV 37:06 Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen V 42:36 Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit VI 49:29 Denn wir haben hie keine bleibende Statt VII 1:00:49 Selig sind die Toten, die in dem Herren sterben

Yes, I am listening to this while at home under the health crisis- covid19- which has affected my brother in law and my two nephews, and i have lost my father in law just today! . How appropriate this requiem! thank you very much for posting this video

wonderful, how much we miss being able to watch these in person, sometime.

I've only lived for 20 years and this is the most fascinating music in my life. I was impressed. Dankeschön!

The standing ovation was deservedly to the chorus in the first place.

Arguably the most beautiful piece of choral music ever. I was fortunate enough to sing this on stage with a full orchestra earlier this year after only nine rehearsals, first time in 22 years singing in a choir. This performance by these incredible musicians of Frankfurt were indispensable to my learning of the music and diction. God bless this piece and all those that perform it 💚

Oh my, what a beautifully stunning performance. From the start to the end I could not turn away. The choir, soloists, and orchestra working so well together and so expressive. Bravo, maestro, soloists, and all of the musicians! Their sounds will resonate in my mind and heart for some time to come...

Tonight (17 november) I listened to this at Umeå City Church, Sweden. No offence, they did their best, and that is good enough. But back at home I listen to this, and I understand why it sometimes is better to listen to RU-vid. This uptaking makes the difference. In my headphones this sounds exquisite.

I have listened to this version of the Brahms Requiem so many times over the last year. I lost a brother on 12/30/20 and have listened to a few requiems. Thought the Verdi or Faure Requiems were my favorite, but must say that this one tops all.

Was für eine begnadete Darbietung -in jeglicher Tiefe und den kleinsten Details. Seelennahrung. DANKE an Alle Beteiligten.

As a retired opera and choral Singer, amateur and then professional, singing this piece, it was nothing short of heaven! John - Mario Russo of City Opera, NYGO, etc.

This choir did an absolutely incredible job. With big choirs, a bunch of people doing excessive vibrato can make it sound awful. But this choir had a nice clear tone, perfect blend , and overall a wonderful job

Sang this beautiful work with the SUNY Fredonia Festival Chorus the Spring semester of Freshman year. An 18 year old from a rural area of Central New York at the time, it was an overwhelmingly beautiful experience.

Ce Requiem est très émouvant d'autant plus que cette interprétation est somptueuse !!!! De tout coeur Merci !!!

Herzlichen Dank an jede/-n Mitwirkende/-n dieser grandiosen Aufführung! Sie berührt mich von allen gehörten bzw. gesehenen RU-vid-Versionen am meisten! Die Darbietung ist so ausgewogen, ausdrucksstark und präzise, dass es sich für mich einfach überwältigend anfühlt, Musik intravenös! Mehr geht nicht! Ich habe dieses Werk selbst mitgesungen und behaupte, dass man emotional und spirituell nicht mehr derselbe Mensch ist wie vorher. Es kommen Dimensionen der Spiritualität, der Betrachtung, des Erlebens und der Verarbeitung hinzu, die ich als wertvolleres Geschenk bewahre als jeden materiellen Reichtum dieser Welt.

Este Réquiem del gran compositor Brams me llena el alma,lo amo lo cante cuando estaba en el coro de la Universidad de Chile hermoso

Simply wonderful, this is, in my opinion, the best performance of the German Requiam ever.. What a great orchestra, what great soloists, what a choir, simply one of the best in the world, and of course who but the great conductor ... and of course to the composer of the piece Brahms who wrote a genius piece.

It's the first time I've heard the first movement played quite so slowly and yet it gives such a feeling of eternity that I was totally sold on the idea. Just a wonderful performance.

Beautifully done! This conductor is right up there with Abado, Solti, all the old school greats. Touched my soul!

Ich Liebe das Lied Wunderschön Gott segne uns alle

Always gives me chills! What a gift Brahms is to the world!

This is one of thee most beautiful pieces of music ever written. 👌👌.

This is comfortable to the ear and to the mind, and will quench and moisturize the dryness o the soul Listening to Brahms, worries of the mundane world disappear

Vielen herzlichen Dank!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

My favorite forever. This is the version you want, folks.

David Zinman is one of my all time favorite conductors. What a talent and an ear he had.

Proud to say that we will sing this beautiful symphony in Argentina in November. Wir sind stolz, sagen zu können, dass wir diese wunderschöne Symphonie im November in Argentinien singen werden.

Wir sind mit dem Studienchor Leimental am üben und werden von dieser schönen Interpretation zu einer schönen Aufführung im Herbst in Zürich und Basel inspiriert.

This is a great rendition. Brahms is masterful in the operatic sweep and the lush melodies throughout. The soprano is ideal --- could not have been sweeter, more delicate, or more lyrical. Expressive musically with understated stage presence.

Indescribable sorrow Indescribable comfort Indescribable beauty Indescribable feeling and something indescribable

最高です、癒されます。

A fantastic performance

Finally I have found a choir where I can hear the altos, and an orchestra where I can pick out the violas and harps! Your devotion to blending and joint expression is very, very wonderful, and very refreshing. Dynamics are instructive every measure, as is the rock solid pitch. No one is fighting for dominance, a rare quality indeed. Many, many thanks!