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gpmf.orgJohannes Brahms
(1833–1897)
GESANG DER PARZEN
(“
SONG OF THE
FATES
”), OP. 89 (1882)
Scored for:
piccolo, flute, two oboes, two clarinets, two
bassoons, contrabassoon, four horns, two trumpets, three
trombones, tuba, timpani, strings and chorus
Performance time:
14 minutes
First Grant Park Orchestra performance:
July 15, 1966;
Irwin Hoffman, conductor
Brahms had an interest in the literature and legends of ancient classical
civilization all his life. Among his choral works are three whose texts are
based directly on classical subjects:
Schicksalslied
(“
Song of Destiny
”),
Nänie
(“
Dirge
”) and
Gesang der Parzen
(“
Song of the Fates
”). Based on Goethe’s
poem
Iphigenie
, the theme of this last work, like that of the
Schicksalslied
,
deals with the dichotomy of the gods’ power and the frailty of mankind.
The words called from Brahms music that is largely of “an iron implacability,
sunless and armor-plated,” in the words of Richard Specht. Brahms chose,
however, to ameliorate his generally stern setting with some strains of a
comforting nature, thereby softening the overall harshness of effect.
IAN BROWN
, Boy Soprano (June 20), has sung with Lyric Opera of Chicago,
Music of the Baroque and DuPage Chorale. He has been a featured soloist at
churches and worship conferences and is a member of the Touring Chorus of
Anima–Young Singers of Greater Chicago. Ian is also an enthusiastic Boy Scout
and fitness buff.
BRYCE ABEND
, Boy Soprano (June 22), lives in Wheaton with his family and
is currently home-schooled. He has studied piano, cello and voice and is a
member of Anima–Young Singers of Greater Chicago. Bryce’s love of singing
began when he was very little, singing along with the radio in the car. This
summer he is attending Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, majoring in musical theater.
He wishes to thank his family for encouraging him in all of his musical pursuits.
Es fürchte die Götter
Das Menschengeschlect!
Sie halten die Herrschaft
In ewigen Händen,
Und können sie brauchen
Wie’s ihnen gefällt.
Der fürchte sie doppelt,
Den je sie erheben!
Auf Klippen und Wolken
Sind Stühle bereitet
Um goldene Tische.
Erhebet ein Zwist sich, ,
So stürzen die Gäste,
Geschmäht und geschändet,
In fear of the gods
all mankind shall walk!
They hold the dominion
in hands everlasting,
and even as they will it,
their power they can wield.
That man fear him doubly,
whom they have exalted!
On cliffs and clouds
are places ready
round golden tables.
If there be dissension,
the guests forth are hurled,
with wrathful reviling,