Johannes Brahms wrote his German Requiem as a memorial to his parents. The mid-19th Century piece is thought by many scholars to be the composer’s most personal work, and listeners frequently connect to its universal themes of loss, as well.
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will perform Brahms’ Requiem this weekend under the direction of guest conductor Robert Spano, the music director of the Atlanta Symphony.
Spano speaks with Lake Effect’s Bonnie North about his own history with the music, and how he tries to make a well known piece refreshing and insightful.
"One of the astonishing things is in a work that has such a big canvas that has such a public space quality, at the same time is an invitation into the heart of a composer," Spano says.
