Danesborough Chorus starts its 43rd season with a collection of classics in a joint concert with the Milton Keynes Chorale at Milton Keynes Theatre on Sunday (November 19), when the choirs will perform Brahms’ German Requiem Ein deutsches Requiem.
The programme will also include Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen and Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No 1.
“Containing some of the most expressive music in the whole choral repertoire, the Brahms Requiem is an inspiring mix of rich harmonies and flowing tunes,” says conductor Ian Smith.
“It is also unusual in taking its texts from the German Luther Bible as scriptural passages instead of the traditional Latin Mass. The choirs will need their customary vocal stamina, and also an ability to express the gentleness of some of the thought-provoking movements.”
Brahms started composing his German Requiem in 1865, although the final seven-movement work did not have its first performance until 1869 in Leipzig.
In contrast to the Roman Catholic Mass which begins with prayers for the dead ("Grant them eternal rest, O Lord"), Brahms’ German Requiem focuses on the living, beginning with the text "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted" from the Beatitudes in St Matthew’s gospel.
The concert will be conducted by Ian Smith and accompanied by the Milton Keynes City Orchestra. The soloists are internationally-acclaimed soprano Carolyn Sampson and leading opera baritone Marcus Farnsworth who will sing Mahler’s beautiful song-cycle Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer).
The ever-popular Peer Gynt Suite No 1 has been used in many TV adverts, from the opening movement, 'Morning', to 'In the Hall of the Mountain King', which is remembered by many as the Alton Towers theme tune.
Tickets are priced at £25, £22, £18, £15 and £10 (£5 off all prices for under 18s, students and unemployed), available from the Danesborough box office on 01908 583460 or the MK Chorale Box Office on 01525 210030. For further information click here
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