Par BRAHMS JOHANNES. This edition of Brahms' greatest, most ambitious vocal work is reprinted from the definitive edition of the composer's works, prepared by Breitkopf & Härtel of Leipzig. Inexpensive but sturdily constructed to provide years of pleasurable use, this full score combines all the musical parts in a clear, readable format, with wide margins, large noteheads, and many other helpful features. Brahms conducted the first major performance of the German Requiem in Bremen Cathedral in April 1868. The occasion — attended by many distinguished musicians, among them Clara Schumann — provided the 34-year-old composer with his first great public success. Scored for mixed chorus, solo voices, and full orchestra, the Requiem reflects Brahms' virtuosic grasp of nineteenth-century vocal technique as well as the polyphonic vocal traditions of the previous three centuries. Above all, it radiates Brahms' stalwart individuality, technical mastery, and stirring emotional appeal, which were soon to secure his unique position in the musical world. More than a century after its debut, this masterpiece of choral music is one of the most performed and recorded works in the repertoire of religious music. Reprinted in full score, including solo voices, chorus and orchestra, from definitive Breitkopf & Härtel edition. A reproduction of the Breitkopf and Hartel edition. / Musique religieuse / Répertoire / Choeur

Brahms's deeply moving Alto Rhapsody is one of the glories of the choral repertoire. Though it was written as a wedding song for the daughter of his friend Clara Schumann, the work clearly seems a deeply personal one for Brahms. Perhaps, as some have suggested, a melancholy reflection on his own solitary life. This great concert favorite is based on portions of the text of Goethe's Harzreise im Winter (Winter Journey in the Harz Mountains), and set for alto solo, men's chorus, and orchestra. In addition to the Alto Rhapsody, this volume contains three other major Brahms choral works: the Song of Destiny, a setting of a poem by Hölderlin: Nänie, a dirge for Brahms's friend Anselm Feuerbach, set to a text by Schiller: and Song of the Fates, set to passages from Act IV of Goethe's Iphigenie auf Tauris. All four works have been reprinted from the authoritative edition published by Breitkopf and Härtel, Leipzig.

Par PERGOLESI GIOVANNI BATTISTA. Shortly before his death, Giovanni Pergolesi moved to the Franciscan monastery in Pozzuoli, where he composed his last works. Among these is his Stabat mater - based on the medieval Latin poem. The piece reveals the infusion into church composition of the operatic style. Pergolesi's Stabat mater features a lively declamation of the text and great melodic appeal and expressiveness. Underlying everything is the contrapuntal background that was expected in music composed for the church at this time. This is is the full score of the original version, which was written for Soprano and Alto Solos and small String Ensemble. / Musique religieuse / Répertoire / Choeur

Par HAYDN FRANZ JOSEF. Late in his career, Haydn, inspired by the oratorios of Handel, turned to composing oratorios himself, launching what would become a final brilliant and successful phrase of his extraordinarily rich and productive musical life. The Creation is the most majestic achievement of that phrase, a choral masterwork of seamless perfection. This edition in full score is reprinted from the authoritative edition published by C. F. Peters of Leipzig, complete with the original German and English texts./ Répertoire / Choeur

A reproduction of the Breitkopf And Hartel edition. Includes text and translations.

On the great feast days the Magnificat was given at the evening service in Leipzig following the sermon. Bach twice set this poem (Luke I 46-55). One of these compositions for solo soprano has been lost. Of the other Magnificat Bach composed his first version In E-flat with four inserted Christmas pieces prepared for the evening service that holiday 1723. His revision of 1728-31 In D Major omitting the Christmas movements was intended for use on any major feast day.Bach composed the motets for special occasions probably for the birthdays funerals or memorial services of prominent Leipzig citizens.In this edition five of the six motets are scored for acappella chouus: Nos. 1 2 4 and 5 for double chorus (SATB/SATB) No. 3 for various combinations of three- four- and five-part voices. Motet 6 is scored for SATB and continuo.

One of the most frequently performed of all choral works reprinted in the definitive German edition.

Considered by many Pergolesi's greatest work, the Stabat Mater is a setting of a medieval Latin poem about the sorrows of the Virgin Mary at Christ's crucifixion. Scored for soprano, alto, and strings, it is music of transcendent beauty and poignancy. This Italian Baroque masterpiece is reproduced here in an inexpensive, authoritative edition. Text and English translation.