Among the major choral-orchestral works of the 19th century, Sir Roger Norrington and his former Orchestra, the Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, have tackled over the years, now finally comes Brahms' 'German Requiem', one of the most beautiful and popular sacred music works in the repertoire.

Brahms’ contemporaries, including his close friend Clara Schumann, were moved with the score and were enthusiastic about it - and it has been a favourite with the general public ever since.

Although Biblical texts are used, the piece is not in the standard church-liturgical tradition. It was Brahms‘ personal response to "those who mourn". The central idea of this masterpiece is the reality of human existence.

It is precisely this "earthly character“ that Roger Norrington uses to shape his interpretation, emphasizing the grave beautify of the music and not religious awe. In this, Norrington draws us close to the composer’s intentions. He is ably supported by soprano soloist Christina Landshamer, bass Florian Boesch, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart and the NDR Choir.