JOHANNES BRAHMS

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. Yet another remarkable work for choir and orchestra besides German Requiem is Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny, 1868–71), Op. 54, the three-movement opus based on a poem by Friedrich Hölderlin. Its  pellucid and lyrical music contemplates the themes of humanity’s spiritual blindness, imperfection of mortals, destiny, beauty and eternity. “If Brahms had created only this work, it would have been enough to consider him as one of the best composers”, states musicologist Josef Sittard in his book on Brahms.

Brahms’ Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny) is performed by the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, Kaunas State Choir, conductor Martynas Stakionis.