Vier ernste Gesange (Four Serious Songs), Op.121 (urtext) by Johannes Brahms

Vier ernste Gesange (Four Serious Songs), Op.121 (urtext) by Johannes Brahms

Urtext edition by Johannes Behr. Published by Henle

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was a significant German composer whose music is often considered to represent the apex of 19th century romanticism. He aligned himself with baroque and classical traditions with his structural coherence and contrapuntal mastery, yet he was also considered a progressive in his freer treatment of dissonance, rhythm, and motivic development. His music is known for its meticulous, intelligent craft, as well as its uniquely introspective and tender emotional core.

The Four Serious Songs, op. 121, was the last work Brahms published before his death and are closely linked to the death of his beloved friend Clara Schumann in May 1896. It is reported that after her funeral, Brahms, in tears, performed the songs in the circle his friends. When the composer himself died shortly thereafter, in April 1897, the Four Songs were transformed into his own musical memorial. The songs take their texts from verses from the Old and New Testaments of the Luther Bible, covering subjects from death and the transience of life to faith and hope. They are among the most expressive jewels of Brahms's late works. This Henle Urtext edition offers the scholarly verified musical text of the New Brahms Complete Edition. Contains historical and critical commentary.