Composer Study: Brahms

LWS Brahms Audio (blue).jpg

Resources: Music and Books Links

Weigenlied (‘Brahms’ Lullaby”) sung in German. 

Original German

Guten Abend, gute Nacht,
mit Rosen bedacht,
mit Näglein
besteckt,
schlupf′ unter die Deck!
Morgen früh, wenn Gott will,
wirst du wieder geweckt.

Guten Abend, gute Nacht,
von Englein bewacht,
die zeigen im Traum
dir Christkindleins Baum.
Schlaf nun selig und süß,
schau im Traum 's Paradies.

Literal English

Good evening, good night,
With roses covered,
With cloves adorned,
Slip under the covers.
Tomorrow morning, if God wills,
you will wake once again.

Good evening, good night.
By angels watched,
Who show you in your dream
the Christ-child's tree.
Sleep now blissfully and sweetly,
see the paradise in your dream.

Traditional English 

Lullaby and goodnight,
With roses bedight,
With lilies o'er spread
Is baby's wee bed.
Lay thee down now and rest,
May thy slumber be blessed.

Lullaby and goodnight,
Thy mother's delight,
Bright angels beside
My darling abide.
They will guard thee at rest,
Thou shalt wake on my breast.

Choral Music:  “How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place” from German Requiem

A complete (and excellent!) recording of the German Requiem

Keyboard Music:  Hungarian Dance No. 1, piano duo

Hungarian Dance No. 5, piano

Chamber Music: Horn Trio in E flat Major, Op. 40

Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98

Concerto for Violin and Cello, Op.102

Books for Children

The Young Brahms
By Sybil Deucher

I have not read this book, but this is a wonderful series about composers.

Books for High School & Adults

This is a pretty detailed (though long) book for someone who really is interested in further study about Brahms and his time.

This is not a book specifically on Brahms, but a great resource for our entire study. Very reasonably priced, this book is an entertaining read and good guide to western music from ancient through modern.