A full audience in the Levin Ballroom Saturday enjoyed a unique musical experience when the Brandeis Wellesley Orchestra and the Brandeis University Chorus and Chamber Choir joined to perform Johannes Brahm's German Requiem.
The chorus's passion and crescendos of emotion perfectly complemented the orchestra's spiritual and at times almost revelatory melodies.
The performance opened with a short, processional melody, and was followed by Brahm's Requiem, divided into seven movements. The work began in a gentler style, alternating between somber and more uplifting. Gradually, the song became more powerful, first becoming dark and ominous, then hopeful, even triumphant.
Throughout the piece, the audience was caught between alternating atmospheres of suspense and wonder, and ultimately left in a state of slow, quiet reflection. As the piece progressed, the chorus appeared to feed on its own energy, rushing toward a peak of spiritual enthusiasm. This heightened sense of emotion soon faded, however, into a more pleasant, relaxing tune similar to the Requiem's opening.
The music itself was closely related to the piece's emotional character, staccato notes providing a joyous, more energetic character, and often, a very tangible sense of anxiety. The periodic soundings of the timpani conveyed a sense of fear, while gentler violins and piccolo soothed the chorus back into peaceful quietude. Trombones resounded triumphantly as the chorus drew nearer to glorious spiritual revelation.
During the concert, members of the audience leafed through packets with translations of the song lyrics, which were actually excerpts from various biblical passages. The chorus began the piece with a German translation of "Blessed are they that have sorrow: for they shall be comforted," taken from the book of Matthew.
Perhaps most impressive about the concert was the beautiful harmony between the soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections of the chorus. None overpowered another, but rather, all came together to form a series of powerful, moving melodies.
The concert included special performances by two guest soloists, baritone Donald Wilkinson and soprano Janet Brown. The chorus itself appeared to be responding directly to Wilkinson's melodic exclamations. His voice resounded throughout the room, flowing from him as naturally as if he were telling a story in a language understandable to a universal audience.
The soloists seemed especially to understand Brahms' intent in composing the piece, which Brahms said he might have called "A Human Requiem," as it addressed the plight of all people on earth.
It is not often that a modern-day group of college students is able to appreciate a classical musical performance. The concert Saturday was an indication that the campus is ready to experience the wide variety of both musical talent and interest of students across the Brandeis campus. The concert reached out to all types of students on campus, a symbol of enthusiasm, creativity and authentic artistic expression.