Johannes Brahms Vier Zigeunerlieder, op. 112b

Johannes Brahms Vier Zigeunerlieder, op. 112b (Leipzig, 1891)
(1833-1897) Text: adapted from Hungarian folk songs
1. Himmel strahlt so helle
2. Rote Rosenknospen künden (01:38)
3. Brennessel steht an Weges Rand (02:28)
4. Liebe Schwalbe, kleine Schwalbe (03:39)

Live-performance - opening concert Yale International Choral Festival
13.June 2018 Sprague Hall Yale University New Haven

ensemble cantissimo
Markus Utz, director

The Zigeunerlieder or Gypsy Songs of Johannes Brahms are well-known among choral music enthusiasts; they are some of Brahms’ most performed works for vocal ensembles. The texts are an adaptation of Hungarian folk songs and Brahms set the texts in a with clear harmonic and melodic references to this musical style. It is important to note that Hungarian folk music was often called ‘gypsy music’ in the 19th century. In total, there are fifteen Gypsy songs, in two sets of 11 and 4.