Brahms: Deutsches Requiem / von Karajan

1. Ein deutsches Requiem (German Requiem), for soprano, baritone, chorus & orchestra, Op. 45
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Lisa della Casa , Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Conducted by Herbert von Karajan

Brahms: Deutsches Requiem / von Karajan,Johannes Brahms,Johannes Brahms,Herbert von Karajan,Wiener Philharmoniker,Lisa della Casa,Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra,Vienna Singverein,Herbert von Karajan,Lisa Della Casa,Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau,EMI Records [All429],Chamber Music & Recitals,Choral,Classical,Classical Composers,Classical Music,Requiem/Requiem Section

Average customer rating: Odd Combination Karajan >> < < Brahms The mother becomes the Go-Between of Death Singing, tuneful performance EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE

Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem Op.45 Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 "Organ"; Danse Macabre; Bacchanale; Le Déluge Mozart: Requiem Rossini - Stabat Mater / Orgonasova, Bartoli, Giménez, Scandiuzzi, Wiener Phil., Chung Jean Sibelius: Violinkonzert/Serenaden/Humoreske Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 ASIN: B000001GEM Release Date: 1991-11-08

Tracks:

1. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Selig sind, die da Leid tragen
2. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras
3. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Herr, lehre doch mich
4. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Wie lieblich sind Deine Wohnungen
5. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit
6. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Denn wir haben hie keine bleibende Statt
7. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Selig sind die Toten, die in dem Herrn sterben

Amazon.com

What could be wrong with this disc--Brahms' beloved Requiem, interpreted by Herbert von Karajan and the Vienna Philharmonic, sung by José van Dam and Barbara Hendricks? Nothing. Karajan here rejects idiosyncrasies and histrionics, in favor of a straightforward, impeccably balanced, lushly romantic performance that is, in a word, irresistible. And the soloists have seldom sounded better. --Joshua Cody

Customer Reviews:

Odd Combination.......2004-12-24

Karajan is not my idea of the perfect accompanist. Instrumental, operatic, choral -- I can not think of a performance of his that I do not find, in some way, irritating.

This reading is an odd combination of the elegant (the first two movements are rather nice) and the grotesque. The exxagerated crecendos are vintage Karajan. Overall, a little too quirky for my taste. I am reminded of the accounts of the 1867 Vienna preview of the first three movements. Apparently it was inadequately rehearsed and in the fugue ending the third movement, the tympanist felt inspired to play as loud has he could, drowning out everyone else. No mean accomplishment.

An interesting document for the afficianado, otherwise choose Klemperer and/or Walter.

Karajan >> < < Brahms.......2003-10-18

As important as Brahms is to the Classical world and as great as his music is, it would be a far lesser thing without the incredible interpretation of von Karajan. I choose to look past all the many criticisms - too stolid, too slow, too grand, too careful - and look at the final product.

Brahms inhabited Karajan's soul as no other composer with the possible exception of Richard Strauss. I have the Symphonies (two versions), the Concertos and now the Requiem. The music is simultaneously beautiful and touching, moving on several levels. I have often wondered about the artists and their fount of inventiveness. What is Brahms "trying to say"? This is not the traditional Requiem of a Verdi, Mozart, Schubert or Beethoven. No, it is more a celebration of the human spirit. If you must get only one version, this is the one. The voices are clear, the orchestra just the right tone, the longing and "Germanenss" of the music stand out above all. It has that haunting forest mood that inhabits so much of Brahm's music.

The mother becomes the Go-Between of Death.......2003-08-07

In a century entirely dominated by the often brutal progress of man, i.e. a male individual, through industrialization and the invention of railroads, cars, steam engines, the steel industry, coal mines and so many other - often polluting - things, in a century where the male figure of life and death dominates, alienates, exploits all beings, Brahms sings the earth, the growth of nature and grass, the call of the wild and open space, immense space and unlimited time. Brahms calls to his side the feminine, the female mother-earth from which all life and sustenance come and to which all human beings go back for their last sojourn on this planet and for their last comforting home and sleep. Brahms dedicates this Requiem to the mother, the evercomforting woman who can take all suffering men in her embrace, in her arms, in her warm tear-sprinkled patience and understanding, love in a word. Brahms moves the Requiem from the male figure of the Father, God, or the male figure of the sufferer and savior, Jesus, to the female suffering and yet comforting figure of the mother. Brahms is at the antipodes of the German myth : Death is « der Tod », hence masculine, a male character, but Brahms makes it an incarnation of the mother, the archetype of all mothers, of Mary weeping at the foot of the cross. Yet at this moment we remember what the dying Christ said, near the end, to his disciple and his mother : « See, this is your son ! See, this is your mother ! » This reflects the suffering of Brahms in front of a world that is changing too fast and is becoming blindingly inhumane, in front of the loss of his friend Schumann and the loss of his own mother. He is able to recapture his lost past, the love of his mother, the friendship of Schumann, the comforting certainty of mother-earth, in this shifting of a death dominated requiem into a motherly and comforting communion with the very principle of humanity that the mother represents on Earth. In fact he goes back to the old Romanic and Romanesque tradition of the mother church in the Middle Ages and rediscovers the mother in a male dominated Germanic world.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University of Perpignan

Singing, tuneful performance.......2002-04-15

I just compared Klemperer/Gardiner/3 Karajan's versions/Masur/Barenboïm /Shaw. This is the one I prefer because of the singing tempo, the articulation is just superb, very tuneful. If only, the solists were rather the Janovitch & Meyer combo of another Karajan's version but whose rythm is too flat & bland compared to this one, the ideal match would be met. I also really liked Rodney Gilfry in Gardiner's version & Janet Williams in Barenboïm's.

EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE.......2000-05-25

KARAJAN Had Always The Style To Explain A Music Thinking, And This BRAHMS "German Requiem" Is One Of The BEST Vocal&Instumental Peace Played on DG ,So This Interpretation Of KARAJAN Is Amazing ,Glorious ,Dynamic ,Wonderful, What Do You Want More? The Recording Is Powerful And Glade To The DG.

Plus The Performance Of Jose Van Dam & Barbara Hendricks is Also Perfect. Of Course Barbara Cannot Be Like Gundula Janowitz In The Last Version Of Karajan With The Berliner Philharmoniker ,this Recording had Taken The Price: "Grand Prix Du Disque" BUT This Recording has the same value of the Last Disk with Janowitz. =>A Nice DISK ,Very Recommended.

Average customer rating: Brahms German Requiem A great German Requiem in dicey sound

Brahms: A German Requiem Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem Op.45 Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 8 "Unfinished" & 9 "The Great" ASIN: B00009KHYB Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

1. Selig Sind, Die Da Leid Tragen
2. Denn Alles Fleisch, Es Ist Wie Gras
3. Herr, Lehre Doch Mich
4. Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen
5. Ihr Habt Nun Traurigkeit
6. Denn Wir Haben Hie Keine Bleibende Statt
7. Selig Sind Die Toten

Customer Reviews:

Brahms German Requiem.......2007-04-11

This is a beautiful recording; however, the orchestra tends to overpower the chorus.

A great German Requiem in dicey sound.......2005-10-17

I gave a longer review of this excellent 1976 performance elsewhere on Amazon--that was for the mid-price EMI issue. This is the same recording in budget issue, and I have to say that the sound needs remastering badly. The soloists and choir sound edgy at peak moments, and although the Berlin Phil. sounds glorious, the midrange is lacking, with prominent bas and trebel. Oh well, it's not crippling, and the performance is so gripping that I can forgive the sound.

Average customer rating: unless you're really devoted to the beautiful Della Casa...

Brahms: Deutsches Requiem / von Karajan Vienna Singverein , Herbert von Karajan , Lisa Della Casa , and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau Manufacturer: EMI Records [All429] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000F1VE Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

1. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Ziemlich langsam - Selig sind, die da Leid tragen
2. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Langsam, marschmassig - Denn alles Fleisch es ist wie Gras
3. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Andante moderato - Herr, lehre doch mich
4. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Massig bewegt - Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen
5. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Langsam - Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit
6. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Andante - Denn wir haben hie keine bleibende Statt
7. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Feierlich - Selig sind die Toten, die in dem Herren sterben

Customer Reviews:

unless you're really devoted to the beautiful Della Casa..........2000-11-24

This is a live performance. It is mono. I'm not prejudiced against mono recordings, in fact, like classic black and white films they often have more character and visionary quality than the most modern recordings, but, having said that, this is a very muffled mono recording. You don't get a sense that you're hearing all of the orchestra or even all of the choir. The performance itself, as well, doesn't save the CD with any unusual power or subtlety. If you are a fan of Lisa Della Casa, though, I can say she sounds beautiful here. Also, (not a trivial point for some fans of Lisa Della Casa) there is a good photograph of her in the liner notes. (For those who don't know: Lisa Della Casa, along with being one of the most talented - if overshadowed - sopranos of her generation, was a very beautiful woman.) Back to the music: The powerful moments in the second movement, for instance, hardly register. I would only buy this if you are a devoted fan of Della Casa. That's not such a terrible reason to aquire this recording, and you then may even find small virtues in it that make it worthwhile. My review is for the general buyer looking for the best recordings of Brahms' Requiem.

Average customer rating:

The Heavens Are Sounding (Favorite Choruses) Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000006KAK Release Date: 1990-10-25

Average customer rating:

Favourite Choruses Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005NPK8 Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

1. Nabucco: Act III. Va, Pensiero, Sull'ali Dorate ('Chor Of The Hebrew Slaves') - Ambrosian Or Chor
2. Madama Butterfly: Act II: Humming Chor - Chor Del Teatro Dell'Opr Di Roma
3. Messiah: Hallelujah - Ambrosian Sngrs
4. Requiem: Dies Irae...Tuba Mirum - Ambrosian Chor
5. Requiem: Confutatis Maledictis - Philharmonia Chor
6. The Childhood Of Christ: The Shepherds' Farewell: L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
7. Lohengrin: Act III. Treulich Gefuhrt ('Bridal Chor') - Chor Of The ROHCG
8. A German Requiem: Selig Sind, Die Da Leid Tragen - Wiener Singverein
9. Il Trovatore: Act II: Vedi Le Fosche - Ambrosian Opr Chor
10. Requiem: In Paradisum - Edinburgh Festival Chor
11. Faust: Act IV. Gloire Immortelle ('Soldiers' Chor') - Chor De L'Armee Francaise/Chor Du Capitole De Toulouse
12. The Flying Dutchman: Act III: Johohoe! - BBC Chor
13. The Magic Flute: Act II: O Isis Und Osiris ('Priests' Chor') - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
14. Cavalleria Rusticana: Regina Coeli...Ineggiamo ('Easter Hymn') - Helen Field/Chor Of The ROHCG
15. Carmen: Act I: Avec La Garde Montante - Petits chanteurs de Versailles
16. Aida: Act II. Triumphal Scene And Grand March: Gloria All'Egitto - Chor Of The ROHCG

Average customer rating: A good Brahms REQUIEM, but not the best Glorious, even better than his digital remake from the 80's Let down by choir and echoes Unbelievable !!! Inspiring!

Brahms:Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op.45 Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Janowitz, Gundula | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Requiems | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Requiems | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem op.45 Lehmann, Stader, Wiener Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem Op.45 Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem] ASIN: B000001GA9 Release Date: 1989-05-09

Tracks:

1. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Selig Sind, Die Da Leid Tragen
2. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Denn Alles Fleisch, Es Ist Wie Gras
3. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Herr, Lehre Doch Mich
4. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnugen
5. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Ihr Habt Nun Traurigkeit
6. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Denn Wir Haben Hie Keine Bleibende Stat
7. Ein deutsches Requiem op.45: Selig Sind Die Toten

Customer Reviews:

A good Brahms REQUIEM, but not the best.......2005-12-06

Herbert von Karajan's 1965 recording of Brahms EIN DEUTSCHES REQUIEM is very good indeed, but not the best in my perception. That honor would go to Otto Klemperer's 1961 Philharmonia recording with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Elizabeth Schwarzkopf as soloists (EMI). However, unless you are really fussy about sound - the EMI has better bass frequencies than Karajan's DG - Karajan should be fine.

I used to have this on LP, and bought the CD issue. My only complaint about the sound is that the bass seems weak on the CD, an important component in Brahms. Also, I don't hear the organ in Karajan's recording as much as in others: Klemperer, or Shaw/Atlanta (Telarc).

Sometimes Karajan has a mania for slow tempos, which in some cases serves the meaning of Brahms' texts - all from Holy Scripture - but some of his transitions don't seem natural in my perception. The Berlin Philharmonic plays wonderfully and the Vienna Singverein sings beautifully, but somehow the whole experience leaves me less satisfied than Klemperer or Shaw do.

This is not a bad recording job; I just have some reservations about the sound. And, Karajan will probably please most listeners; I read this is better than his digital DG recording, also with the Berlin Philharmonic. But I would go with Klemperer (EMI), Shaw (Telarc), or - if you don't mind good 1954 MONO sound - Bruno Walter/New York (Sony, "Bruno Walter edition.")

Glorious, even better than his digital remake from the 80's.......2005-11-12

..and it gets better. This is available on DG Originals as an import. You won't find it on this site, but I assure you it can be found. I have a copy and the sound quality is greatly improved, which only adds to this transcendent reading. I loved his digital rendition from the mid-80's with Vienna, but like much of Karajan's work, this version from the 1960's is a bit more energetic and spontaneous feeling than that later version. This recording is highly recommended, but I would suggest you search for the DG Originals release.

Let down by choir and echoes.......2005-09-30

I must disagree with the generally very positive reviews of this Karajan version. Much as I love the Deutsches Requiem, it is a piece that can become turgid in the wrong performance, a tendency that is exemplified here. I am generally a fan of Karajan and the problems with this recording are not primarily with his direction, though his broad tempi exacerbate the problem. The blame lies with the choir and its far too backwards and echoing position in the mix. Many of the faster sections of choral writing become very muddied and the articulation is obscured. Compared with Klemperer or even the older Kempe recording, the choral sound is far inferior. The two soloists are also very recessed, though they at least give good performances. The most suprising fault however is that the prestigious Viennese choir's intonation is so often suspect, particularly in the opening two movements.

The overall impression one is left with is an ill-defined soupy mess of sound. Other reviewers apparently find this to be spiritual or transcendental. But for listeners who wish to actually hear all of the complexities of Brahms' writing this recording cannot be recommended. The received critical opinion of Gardiner's recording is, in this case, correct and should definitely be most collector's first modern choice. Klemperer can occasionally tend toward the stodgy though he is far better recorded than Karajan. For those with an interest in the soprano's movement ("Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit"), Previn's version features the incomparable Dame Margaret Price. The rest of the recording, however, fails to generate much intensity in Previn's hands. I also have a lot of time for Kempe's Mono version.

Unbelievable !!!.......2003-03-01

It is the fifth time in a row that I am listening to this piece. I had previously the Gardiner interpretation which left me cold, unmoved. But this interpretation is so tuneful. The Wiener Singverein chor gives me gooseflesh. And when Gundula Janowitch sings, I am in heaven.
I am rediscovering this work. What a bliss ! A jewel !!! from beginning to end.

Inspiring!.......2002-07-29

I find it interesting that some people would go through all the trouble of listening to Karajan's recordings when they obviously do not like him as a person. That might explain why one reviewer would remark that: "As usual, his performance is very sharp, very smooth...". A bit of a contradiction.

This recording does capture the many moods of this elusive work. Many interpretations seem to capture the power but not the tender moments. I believe that the conductor succeeded in setting down a very central interpretation that rises to the challenge. The soloists are a great team and they offer some very dramatic singing. In the movement for soprano soloist, Gundula Janowitz is in fresh voice (this was recorded at the beginning of her career). Unfortunately the choir isn't on the same level as the orchestra. All round, a very good recording.

Average customer rating: Minus one star for concealing the age of the recording Agreed, EMI is Being Crafty! Collectors Item Only- not for 21st century use

Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B0001HAHDW Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

1. I: Selig Sind, Die Da Leid Allemand
2. II: Denn Alles Fleisch Es Ist Wie Gras
3. III: Herr, Lehre Doch Mich
4. IV: Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen
5. V: Ihr Habt Nun Traurigkeit
6. VI: Denn Wir Haben Hier Keine Bleibende Stadt
7. VII: Selig Sind Die Toten

Customer Reviews:

Minus one star for concealing the age of the recording.......2004-05-06

First, this is a classic recording of the Brahms' "Requiem", recorded in 1947 in a Vienna that was still suffering the ravages of war. There is an urgency and sincerity in this performance that speaks to the listener across the years and leaves an indelible impression. The first EMI CD of this recording was in barely acceptable sound, with a great deal of surface noise and distortion in the loud passages. This remastering is a major improvement and allows one to fully enjoy the memorable performance without having to put up with the sonic distractions of the older remastering.

However, as the two previous reviewers point out, it's truly shameful that EMI chose to conceal the age of this recording as well as the fact that it is in mono. The whole point of such a reissue is to offer a better version of an historical recording, and EMI's shady marketing tricks are an affront to the company's continuing program of remastering classic recordings, which they offer at reasonable prices.

Granted, EMI has a tendency to overdo it when it comes to capitalizing on its back catalog (I've read that EMI remains financially solvent only because of profits from the countless Callas reissues that seem to appear almost daily). Nevertheless, EMI has been a pioneer in using new technology to restore old recordings, and in doing so, has provided a valuable service to lovers of classical music. It's unfortunate that they've tarnished their reputation with a needless ruse, thus alienating both new listeners and those of us who have enjoyed EMI recordings for many years.

Agreed, EMI is Being Crafty!.......2004-04-22

I am in agreement with the previous reviewer. EMI should do more on their packaging to inform prospective buyers of what they are purchasing. In previous EMI series that featured vintage recordings, such as "Full Dimension Sound," "Klemperer Legacy," and even "Great Recordings of the Century," the words "mono" or "stereo" were featured prominently on the back cover, giving some indication of when the performance was recorded. On this particular title, the word "mono" appears sideways in tiny typeface, and right next to the UPC code. It is virtually invisible! Pulling a fast one on customers, particularly in a series aimed at the classical novice, is no way to recruit a new fan base. I will award four stars to this disc because it is a great performance too long out of print, but EMI shame on you for being so crafty!

Collectors Item Only- not for 21st century use.......2004-04-02

I have nothing against Brahms' Requiem. I have nothing against Karajan. What I am against is EMI's outer packaging which does not indicate whatsoever that this recording occurred in 1947 until you rip off the shrinkwrap and look in the insert. I'm sure the recording quality is magnificent by 1947 standards, but it is now a different millenium and digital remastering can only do so much. The The only reason I can see why EMI decided to release this recording is for connoisseurs who are not satisfied with Karajan's other recording(s?) of Ein Deutsches Requiem. I don't have much else to say. I feel duped and I write this only to warn others.

Average customer rating: An essential Karajan performance

Johannes Brahms: A German Requiem Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000002SDU Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Selig sind, die da Leid tragen
2. Denn alles Fleisch es ist wie Gras
3. Herr, lehre doch mich
4. Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen
5. Ihr habt nun Traurigleit
6. Denn wir haben hie keine bleibende Statt
7. Selig sind die Toten

Amazon.com

Although he tried several times, Herbert von Karajan never surpassed his 1947 account of Eine Deutsches Requiem with the Vienna Philharmonic, a reading of fervent, post-war intensity. The closest he came in the stereo era was his 1976 remake with the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Singverein, which remained his favorite chorus over the years. The account is interpretively consistent with Karajan's view of the symphonies and with the earlier reading of the Requiem--a polished, firmly sculpted, dramatic rendition that as usual with Karajan, and in spite of the fact that the tempos are on the slow side, has real grip. José Van Dam delivers impassioned accounts of his solos, and Anna Tomowa-Sintow is radiant in "Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit." The sound is excellent--not always a guarantee with EMI in the 1970s. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

An essential Karajan performance.......2005-10-05

I agree with everything said in the Amazon review. Karajan's 1947 German Requiem is a sonic miracle, really--despite its age and the wretched conditions in Vienna two years after the war, one hears everything in the chorus, the orchestral sound has weight annd impact, and the soloists are unsurpassed. That reading was a fervent document from survivors of mass catastrophe, a moving assurance that music would outlive polotics and suffering.

This is Karajan's first stereo Requiem, I believe, and it updates the older reading with almost equally good soloists. Karajan is not slick or glib here, and I find his polished approach (which became too polished on his later German Requiem for DG) as valid as Kelmperer's on his classic 1961 recording, also for EMI (that set suffers from microphone overload at climaxes, which may or may not be significant to listerners today.) But as the Amazon reviewer says, even this excellent reading cannot duplicate the spiritual fervor and deep emotionality of Karajan's first post-war recording. I treasure both in their own ways.

Average customer rating:

Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem [Australia] Janowitz , Waechter , Karajan , and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music ASIN: B000060O59 Release Date: 2002-02-01

Tracks:

1. Selig Sind, Die Da Leid Tragen. Ziemlich Langsam Und Mit Ausdruck (Chor)
2. Herr, Lehre Doch Mich. Andante Moderato (Bariton Und Chor)
3. Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen. Maessig Bewegt (Chor)
4. Ihr Habt Nun Traurigkeit. Langsam (Sopran Und Chor)

Average customer rating: A Darkling Treat for Karajan and Schwarzkopf Aficionados Just Beautiful

Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem Manufacturer: Classica D'oro ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000059LWS Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

1. Brahms-Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op.45: Selig Sind, Die Leid Tragen
2. Brahms-Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op.45: Denn Alles Heisch Es Ist Wie Gras
3. Brahms-Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op.45: Herr, Lehre Doch Mich
4. Brahms-Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op.45: Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen
5. Brahms-Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op.45: Ihr Habt Nun Traurigkeit
6. Brahms-Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op.45: Denn Wir Haben Hir Keine Bliebende Statt
7. Brahms-Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op.45: Selig Sind Die Toten

Customer Reviews:

A Darkling Treat for Karajan and Schwarzkopf Aficionados.......2004-08-22

It cannot be emphasised enough that this is an historic recording from 1947 and due to poor sound quality is only of interest probably to those who have a special admiration for the stellar cast of interpreters. The fact that this recording was made so close to the end of WW II is also of interest to me. If you wish to hear Karajan with better sound and don't mind a different cast, I recommend his latter recording with Janowitz and Meyer.

The transfer is quite good, yet much detail is inevitably lost: for example the violins in much of Herr, lehre doch mich; and the harp sounds scrawny. The transfer seems to favour the soloists: the orchestra and chorus sound muddy, yet the voices of Schwarzkopf and Hotter are absolutely vivid. Karajan does an excellent, memorable job, taking things at a sepulchral pace, yet keeping everything together with a sure hand. This is a dreary reading for mourners to wallow in. The unnerving drone of II, Den alles Fleisch as ist wie Gras will give you goose bumps. Karajan does seems to have trouble in III, Herr, lehre doch mich, though: Hotter has a beautiful, tenor-like voice, yet the fugue is a muddy mess. Karajan clearly mastered such obstacles later in life, as evinced in his splendidly lucid later recording of this number with baritone Wolfgang Meyer.

Aficionados of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf will not be disappointed. Indeed, though I had heard many of her recordings, I never fully appreciated her rich, sturdy voice until this disc. Her singing in Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit is pure sunshine.

The price is right. Booknotes are sparse and do not have the lyrics; but as Brahms' Requiem is such a difficult work to take in, I ended up buying the score anyway. It is one of the most profound contemplations on death of all time.

Just Beautiful.......2003-01-04

Karajan leads Vienna in this wonderful recording of this beautiful work. Everything is thick and luscious. Schwarzkopf and Hotter, the solo singers, sound incredible. Definitely buy this recording! It is a bargain, especially for the high quality of this reading.

Track Listings:

1. Brahms: Symphony No. 4; Academic Festival Overture; Schumann: Genoveva & Manfred Overtures
2. Brahms: The Cello Sonatas
3. Bronislaw Huberman in Performance
4. Bruch: Odysseus
5. Cara: Fiamma Amorosa et Bella
6. Carmina Burana & Great Classical Marches (Box Set) [Box set]
7. Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor Op. 11; Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor Op. 21
8. Chopin Piano Concertos
9. Cinema:Silent Film Music by J.S. Zamecnik
10. Classical Piano

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Tripping The Live Fantastic (Highlights) [Live]

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 17, 23, 24, 25 & 26 [Import]

Bone Bottle Brass or Steel

Tes Esat [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]

Big Cock

Best of Patti LaBelle [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Being Myself

Arturo Toscanini Collection, Volume 68: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky/Richard Strauss

Billy and the Kid

Back Talk

Bring Me to Life [CD-single] [Enhanced]

Best of MTV Unplugged [Import]

Best of Trance 2003 [Import]

Higher

Ancestors