Brahms' beautiful response to death
By Tim Smith
The Baltimore Sun, March 23, 2003
Artists often deal with death by creating more art - and thus more life. That's what Johannes Brahms did after he lost his mother. The result was Ein Deutches Requiem (A German Requiem), a work of exquisite beauty and comfort. The title refers only to the fact that the music is sung in German; the texts come from the Bible and, in keeping with the composer's somewhat nonspecific religious outlook, are more universal than denominational.
This choral masterwork will be performed this week by the Concert Artists of Baltimore, the choral/orchestral organization directed by Edward Polochick. The ensemble's 30 voices will be joined by 80 members of the former Baltimore Symphony Chorus (which Polochick used to direct). The soloists are soprano Esther Heideman and baritone Randal Woodfield.
Completing the program will be Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, with its marvelous dialogues between keyboard and orchestra. Exceptional pianist (and teacher) Ann Schein will be the soloist; any opportunity to hear her play is welcome.
The concert is at 8 p.m. Friday at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Tickets are $15 to $55. Call 410-783-8000.
Copyright © 2003, The Baltimore Sun
Concert Artists of Baltimore
1114 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21202-2615
Phone: (410) 625-3525
Fax: (410 625-9343