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Johannes Brahms
(1833-1897)
How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings
("Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen")
Chorus from
A German Requiem, Op. 45
Revised Accompaniment for Organ
(7 pages)
Notes
Brahms’ German Requiem ranks as one of the most sublime choral works of its genre. Composed originally for four-part choir, soprano and baritone soloists, and full orchestra with harp and organ, a concert performance of the Requiem traditionally requires a large and capable performing ensemble.
With its lyricism and marked dramatic contrasts, working in combination with the impact of it sublime contrapuntal textures, the chorus, "How lovely are thy dwellings," has become a staple of the repertoire, exerpted for use by church and community choirs. It is often accompanied by piano, (two or four hands), or by organ, and it invariably presents unique technical and musical challenges for the accompanist(s). For the organist, the difficulty lies in reducing the multiple orchestral voices to an essential but effective core, while at the same time retaining as many of the original orchestral colors and timbres as possible.
This accompanimental rendition offers dynamic markings throughout, often indicating terraced levels of sound and intensity, but there is no attempt to duplicate all of the subtleties of various instrumental families and choruses found in an orchestra. The nature of any final realization of the score will depend on the size and scope of a specific instrument and how it balances with the choral ensemble and acoustical environment. Along with tempo and registration, use of a wide range of varied touches at the keyboards and pedalboard will bring the accompaniment to life and allow it to become integrated with the choral textures and voices.
Coypright © 2007 Ennis Fruhauf
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