Ein Deutsches Requiem is not in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Latin Mass for the Dead. Brahms devised his own text, selecting portions from Martin Luther’s translation of the Old and New Testaments including the Apocrypha. He wanted these scriptures to offer peace for the living and solace for the grieving rather than divine mercy for the deceased. The opening passage from the Sermon on the Mount sets the tone for the entire work: "Blest are they that mourn; for they shall have comfort."
This is a fine opportunity to hear the intimate version of the Requiem as arranged by Brahms himself with piano duo accompaniment and to enjoy the setting of the new Dora Stoutzker Hall at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Cardiff Polyphonic Choir and its conductor Neil Ferris are joined by 4 very talented young artists.
Elizabeth Donovan - Welsh Young Singer of the Year in 2002 - represented Wales in Cardiff Singer of the World in 2003
Andrew Ashwin - British operatic baritone enjoying success in the opera houses and concert theatres of Europe
Maria Angel Garcia Soria - concert pianist - has won first prizes in well renowned national and international piano competitions and has performed to critical acclaim in numerous concerts and solo recitals in Spain, Portugal, England, Germany, Austria and United States.
Thomas Worley - a first class degree from Trinity College in Piano Performance and Silver Medal for the highest score in his department for his final recital. He went on to study for his Masters in Piano performance at Southern Methodist University in the U.S.A.