Ein menschliches Requiem: the Vlaams Radiokoor recorded this 'poignant ode to life in all its fragility' in January 2021, in full covid period with face masks and socially distanced...

Despite these restrictions, conductor Bart Van Reyn succeeded in creating a splendid collective sound with the singers of the Radiokoor. Add to that the refined piano playing of duo Jan Michiels and Inge Spinette, and the interpretations of soloists Sarah Wegener and Thomas Oliemans, and you have a total package.

discover Ein menschliches Requiem on Spotify or get your copy on Evil Penguin Classic

“with a gripping performance, which above all speaks of an impressive ensemble strength, the Vlaams Radiokoor knows how to expose the human character”
- de standaard

There is no other requiem that brings more comfort than Brahms' Ein menschliches Requiem.

The death of his mother and dearest friend Robert Schumann so close to him marked Brahms – but it also led to the creation of one of his finest works. Bent over his writing desk, full of sorrow over his loss, Brahms wanted to write music that would nevertheless offer some support: hope for those near him, comfort for the living – and not with a sombre funeral march. Initially, he gave his composition the title Ein menschliches Requiem (A Human Requiem).

The monumental composition for orchestra and choir that would become Ein deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) lies far from that intimate beginning. But Brahms did not forget his initial plan: he even transcribed a version for piano 4 hands, soloists and choir: transparent, intimate, colourful and, most importantly, very personal.

Impressive ensemble strength
The Vlaams Radiokoor, conducted by Bart Van Reyn, provides an impressive sounding ensemble, soprano Sarah Wegener adds a floating vocal line, while baritone Thomas Oliemans displays passion and vulnerability. Jan Michiels and Inge Spinette take care of the 4-hand piano part, and Jan Michiels makes us dream away to our own childhood with his refined version of Schumanns Kinderszenen.

Discover Ein menschliches Requiem on Spotify or get your copy on Evil Penguin Classic.

“Notice the playfulness of Schumann's Kinderszenen, interwoven between the Requiem - which accentuates Brahms' intended comfort.”
- de standaard

In search of the man who was Brahms, we weave his memories of his childhood and his good friend Schumann in between the movements of the Requiem. In his Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood), Schumann in turn combined various short works that were close to his heart and through which he thought back, filled with nostalgia, to his own childhood.