UTAH CHAMBER ARTISTS TO PERFORM BRAHMS’ ‘EIN DEUTSCHES REQUIEM’ MONDAY

Among the great choral works of the 19th century, Johannes Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) certainly ranks at the top. It’s a work of profound beauty and reflection. And even though it’s called a requiem — a Mass for the Dead — it doesn’t dwell on death; instead, it addresses itself to those left behind rather than focusing on the departed.

The Utah Chamber Artists will be performing Ein deutsches Requiem at their next concert this Monday. It’s a work that music director Barlow Bradford is thrilled to be doing. “I’m looking forward to this,” he told Reichel Recommends in a phone interview. “It’s an amazing work.”

Barlow Bradford

Bradford said that Brahms’ requiem has broad appeal. “There is something about Brahms’ music that speaks to the masses. It’s meant to touch the heart of everyone.”

One of the things that Bradford likes about the piece is the fugal writing. “It’s a carry on from the baroque,” he said. But unlike baroque fugues, which were conceived instrumentally with the voices merely doubling the instruments, Brahms takes a more modern approach. “They’re singable. There is no doubling with the orchestra so the singers are alone. And that makes it exciting.”

This is Bradford’s first time conducting Ein deutsches Requiem. “I’ve never done it before. From a performer’s point of view, doing it for the first time at my age has been a real treat. It’s been really great.”

Joining the Utah Chamber Artists will be one of Bradford’s other groups, the University of Utah Chamber Choir. “That will bring the choir to 70 voices, which is the minimum number needed.” Two local favorites, baritone Michael Chipman and soprano Celena Shafer, will be singing the solos.

Everyone, from the chorus to the orchestra, has been immersed in the music, Bradford said. “They’ve been going at it and eating it up.” The musicians’ enthusiasm has been infectious. “I walk out of a rehearsal with more energy than when I walk in. I’ve never felt that to that extent.”

But quite honestly it’s impossible not to be overwhelmed in a good way with this work. “This is exquisite, dignified music. It’s such a beautiful piece and it’s been so fun to participate in it with a great group of singers.”

Ein deutsches Requiem will be the only work performed at the concert and there will be no intermission.

  • CONCERT DETAILS
  • What: Utah Chamber Artists
  • Venue: Libby Gardner Concert Hall, University of Utah
  • Time and Date: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24
  • Tickets: $15 general, $10 students in advance, $17.50 general, $12 students on the day of performance
  • Phone: 801-581-7100
  • Web: www.utahchamberartists.org
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About Edward Reichel

Edward Reichel, author, writer and composer, has been covering the classical music scene in Utah since 1997. For many years he served as the primary music critic for the Deseret News. He has also written for a number of publications, including Chamber Music Magazine, OPERA Magazine, 15 Bytes, Park City Magazine and Salt Lake Magazine. He holds a Ph.D. in composition from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He can be reached at ed.reichel@gmail.com. Reichel Recommends is also on Twitter @ReichelArts.

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