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Meanwhie: Brahms — love beyond death

Published: 20 Mar. 2026, 00:05

Na Sung-in

The author is a music critic and director of the classical music brand Poongwoldang.

Johannes Brahms regarded it as his calling to elevate the culture of Germany. Throughout his musical life, he consistently embodied qualities often associated with German virtues: diligence and patience, a craftsman’s seriousness and a deep respect for tradition.

Portrait of Johannes Brahms in 1889 [WIKIPEDIA]

These values are most clearly reflected in "A German Requiem" (1868). Traditionally, a requiem is a Mass for the dead in Latin. In place of the “Gloria” in a standard Mass, the sequence “Dies Irae,” or “Day of Wrath,” is inserted, emphasizing divine judgment. Brahms, however, sought a different approach. Rather than composing a requiem grounded in Old Testament severity, he aimed to create one rooted in the New Testament’s message of consolation and hope.

Accordingly, he replaced the customary opening plea for mercy with passages from Martin Luther’s German Bible, beginning with the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” The work thus opens with a message of solace directed toward the weak and marginalized.

The second movement acknowledges the transience of human life, yet it does not proclaim judgment as the “Dies Irae” does. Instead, it offers a vision of hope, suggesting that those who remain will return to their true home while singing. This emphasis on comfort and renewal marks a significant departure from traditional requiem settings.

Brahms composed "A German Requiem" (1868) after the death of his mother, an event that deeply affected him. Later in life, he again turned to biblical texts following the death of Clara Schumann, his lifelong benefactor and a figure of quiet affection.

In "Four Serious Songs" (1896), Brahms reflects on death and loss, ultimately arriving at a meditation on enduring love. The fourth and final song, based on a passage from Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians, presents a profound reflection on love. It moves beyond the losses of human existence and fleeting passion to affirm a love that is eternal.

Through these works, Brahms commemorated the two women who were most important in his life. At the same time, he reaffirmed his connection to the German cultural tradition embodied in Luther’s Bible.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.