Watch Brahms - Ein deutsches Requiem

Brahms - Ein deutsches Requiem is a classical music film featuring the Berliner Philharmoniker and the Swedish Radio Choir. The movie was released in 2017, with Sir Simon Rattle serving as the conductor and Peter Sellars as the stage director. The production is a live performance of Johannes Brahms' German Requiem, which the composer created to mourn the loss of his mother. Brahms breaks with traditional requiems by structuring the piece in seven movements, each accompanied by a specific biblical passage. The performance is sung in German, with the English translation projected on the screen.

The film opens with a haunting shot of a shadowed choir, accompanied by the slow opening notes of the first movement. The audience is then shown the auditorium, revealing a simple, yet elegant stage design. The focus of the performance, however, remains on the choir and orchestra.

Sir Simon Rattle's conducting is a joy to watch, with his hands gracefully directing the musicians. The Berliner Philharmoniker plays with precision, using each note to build an overall sense of tension.

One of the standout points in the film is the staging by Peter Sellars. The conductor and choir are adorned in black, creating a somber atmosphere. Meanwhile, the choir positions itself in different formations on stage, often creating a sense of motion and flow. Sellars also makes use of lighting to dramatic effect, with the choir often performing in shadow or facing a single spotlight.

The Swedish Radio Choir provides a beautiful and powerful performance throughout the movie. Each member of the choir sings with passion and intensity, conveying the emotions of the requiem in a deeply moving way. The audience can see the emotion in their facial expressions and gestures, adding a personal touch to the performance.

The soloists, Christian Gerhaher and Camilla Tilling, also excel in their roles. Gerhaher's bass-baritone voice adds depth and gravity to the performance, while Tilling's soprano is clear and ethereal.

Overall, Brahms - Ein deutsches Requiem is a captivating and emotional performance of one of Brahms' most famous works. The combination of the Berliner Philharmoniker, Swedish Radio Choir, and Sir Simon Rattle is truly magical and creates a unified and cohesive performance. The cinematography is intimate and engaging, with close-up shots of the musicians adding a sense of intimacy to the performance.

This film is a must-see for classical music fans and anyone interested in experiencing the beauty and emotion of Brahms' music.

Brahms - Ein deutsches Requiem is a 2004 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes.