JOHANNES BRAHMS

Gesang der Parzen (“Song of the Fates”), Op. 89

Two positions emerged in the German-Austrian musical culture of the mid-19th century. Richard Wagner nurtured new traditions in composing “music of the future”,  and Johannes Brahms saw “music of the future” as utopia and could not accept the termination of development of pure instrumental music. The composer was interested in various genres except opera. His symphonies, concerti and chamber music enjoy great recognition. Of particular interest are Brahms’ works for choir and orchestra (German Requiem being the most popular). The one-movement Gesang der Parzen (Song of the Fates), Op. 89 was the composer’s last opus for choir and orchestra. It is reminiscent of Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny), Op. 54, but is even gloomier, more fatalistic. The common denominator of both works is reflection on the destiny of personality and humanity. Although Brahms avoided the use of program in his works, Gesang der Parzen is based on the image of the Fates, mentioned in Roman mythology, and text from J. W. von Goethe’s drama Iphigenie auf Tauris (Iphigenia in Tauris). This rich score conveys the curse of the Fates to all mankind.

Brahms’ Gesang der Parzen (Song of the Fates) is performed by the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, Kaunas State Choir, conductor Martynas Stakionis.

PUBLISHED:  2018-03-24

ORCHESTRA: LITHUANIAN NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

CHOIR: KAUNAS STATE CHOIR

CONDUCTOR: MARTYNAS STAKIONIS