Brahms: 4 ernste Gesänge, Op. 121
4 Serious Songs
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
Shipping Policy- Composer: Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
- Format: Vocal Score
- Instrumentation: Piano, Medium / Low Voice
- Work: 4 ernste Gesänge (4 Serious Songs), Op. 121
- Work language: German
- ISMN:
- Size: 8.1 x 11.6 inches
- Pages: 35
- Urtext / Critical Edition
Description
The Four Serious Songs, Op. 121, was to be the last work Brahms published before his death. These songs are closely linked to the death of his beloved friend Clara Schumann in May 1896. It is reported that after her funeral, Brahms, in tears, performed the songs in the circle his friends. When the composer himself died shortly thereafter, in April 1897, the Four Songs were transformed into his own musical memorial. Owing to their musical expressive power and poignancy, these songs for low voice, based on verses from the Old and New Testaments, number among the milestones in the Romantic song repertoire to the present day – be it in lessons or on the concert stage.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
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Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
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Hardcover
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Paperback
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Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
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Solo Part with Piano Reduction
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Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
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With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Digital Download
Digital, PDF version of the score.
Brahms: 4 ernste Gesänge, Op. 121
