Brahms RequiemMotives, Messages, Miscellaneous

Death

Death

Death = Hell

Death

What is a requiem?Date: 14th century1: a mass for the dead2 a: a solemn chant (as a dirge) for the repose of the dead b: something that resembles such a solemn chant3 a: a musical setting of the mass for the dead b: a musical composition in honor of the dead

PurgatoryDate: 13th century1: an intermediate state after death for expiatory purification; specifically: a place or state of punishment wherein according to Roman Catholic doctrine the souls of those who die in God's grace may make satisfaction for past sins and so become fit for heaven2: a place or state of temporary suffering or misery

Typically, a requiem begins with the Introitus, uses much the same texts as the ordinary mass, but almost always omits the more joyful texts (such as the Gloria) and sometimes the Credo. It almost always includes the flamboyant Dies iræ (“day of wrath”).

Requiem aeternamEternal rest give unto them, O Lord And let perpetual light shine upon them A hymn, O God, becometh Thee in Zion And a vow shall be paid to thee in Jerusalem Hear my prayer All flesh shall come before youEternal rest give unto the dead, O Lord And let perpetual light shine upon them Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord And let perpetual light shine upon them.

Dies iraeThis day, this day of wrath shall consume the world in ashes, as foretold by David and the Sibyl. What trembling there will be When the judge shall come to weigh everything strictly!

Tuba mirumThe trumpet, scattering its awful sound Across the graves of all lands Summons all before the throne. Death and nature shall be stunned When mankind arises To render account before the judge.

Rex TremendaeKing of awful majesty You freely save those worthy of salvation Save me, found of pity.

the young and old

A different ideaOccasion for comfort

A different ideaCelebration of a certain Paradise

new namesA German RequiemA Protestant RequiemHumanity’s Requiem

Events and Reasons

Comfort the Living

Honor a Mentor(robertschumann)

Death of his mother

Textual Sources10 different parts of the Lutheran Bible: Old Testament, New Testament, ApocryphaNever mentions “Jesus”

1Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.Psalm 126:5–6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.They that go forth and weep, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them.

5John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.Ecclesiasticus 51:27 Behold with your eyes, how that I have but little labour, and have gotten unto me much rest.Isaiah 66:13 As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you.

7Revelation 14:13 Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord, from henceforth. Yea, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

21 Peter 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower thereof falleth away.James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the morning and evening rain.1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.Isaiah 35:10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.