31 Days of Classical, Day 6: Tugging at the heart strings with Brahms

Each day throughout July, I'll share with you a piece of classical music. Thirty-one days, thirty-one pieces.

The list is by no means definitive, nor is it necessarily a list of all of my favorite music from the classical world. Every morning, I start my day with music that inspires me in some way, whether I'm inspired by its happiness, its loneliness, the instrumentation, the harmony, the colors, the melody — each piece is special in some way — and offers an opportunity to either hear something you've never heard, or hear something new in a piece you've known your whole life.

Day 6: Johannes Brahms, A German Requiem, "How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place"

An excellent example of the Romantic era (he wrote it in the 1860s) tugging at every single string in your heart. I'll give you two options from which to choose. I prefer a brisker tempo to this one, so I like the 2nd choice. I also heartily enjoy a slower tempo, so I included the top for you. Here's one of my favorite parts. Who says sopranos have all the fun?

Cool facts about this particular "Requiem": a Requiem is a Latin Mass for the repose of the souls of the dead. Brahms's Requiem is neither Latin, nor a liturgical mass. It's simply a collection of sacred texts, sung in German.

Take the 31 Days of Classical Challenge

31 Days is a bite-sized month-long trial of Classical Music from across the spectrum of the wonderful, expansive music we love at Classical MPR. Join the fun by subscribing to the 31 Days of Classical newsletter, or use #31DaysofClassical on Twitter or Facebook.

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