Echo WuFemale ChoirMr. WalkerExperience from the open rehearsal of the LSOCitation:[1] LIDO presentation of Brahms' Requiem. By B. Croyle. The Fulton Opera House, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. November 7, 2013. Presentation.[2] "Brahms' German Requiem" by Armin Zebrowski. Sunrise Magazin, September 2002. Web. 21 November 2013. The German Requiem, containing seven movements, is a masterpiece by Johannes Brahms made around 1868. Unlike the Latin Requiem, "a religious service for the dead" [1] which lasted For hundreds of years dating back to the Middle Ages, the German Requiem, instead of asking God to be merciful to the dead, has focused on providing “comfort, hope and peace”[1] to human lives. Spending eleven years finishing the requiem, Brahms modified his piece in memory of his late mother and Schumann, people who meant much to his life. During the open rehearsal the first, second, fifth and sixth movements were performed. The orchestra performed with winds, piccolo, flutes, strings and harp, tuba and violins (etc.); the choir evidently sang in German to give an original meaning to the piece. The first movement began with "bestowing blessings on those who suffer." [1] By eliminating the violins in this movement, Brahms aimed to produce a sad atmosphere. The chorus begins with the lyrics "Blessed are those who cry", the low and loud sound of the orchestra really created a sense of pain and bitterness. In the second movement, “one of the most desperate,”[1] the violins joined the orchestra and produced ringing sounds using mutes, “small pieces of rubber that dampen the vibration of the string.”[1] The rising sound creates a sense of the ghostly and prepares the choir's song for the blossoming of flowers and the dying of herbs. Repetitive text… half the paper… creates such a beautiful piece with a smooth transformation between highs and lows. Personally, I really respect Brahms' work and really enjoyed the open rehearsals. Beyond the fact that Brahms is an excellent composer and pianist, his thoughtful care impresses me greatly. His successes inspire me that being a helpful person, regardless of musician or not, should apply one's knowledge and efforts to contribute and care for others. Additionally, powerful music always seems amazing to me, and although I don't fully understand the piece, I have gained cultural experience and interest in further exploring Brahms and the world of music. Works Cited Citation: [1] LIDO Presentation of Brahms' Requiem. By B. Croyle. The Fulton Opera House, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. November 7, 2013. Presentation.[2] "Brahms' German Requiem" by Armin Zebrowski. Sunrise Magazin, September 2002. Web. 21 November. 2013.