Brahms Requiem: A Subjective Interpretation (Fifth Movement)

Words:

Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit; aber ich will euch wieder sehen und euer Herz soll sich freuen, und eure Freude soll niemand von euch nehmen. Sehet mich an: Ich habe eine kleine Zeit Mühe und Arbeit gehabt und habe großen Trost funden. Ich will euch trösten, wie einen seine Mutter tröstet.

Translation:

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. Behold with your eyes, how that I have but little labour, and have gotten unto me much rest. As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you.

Movement Five was composed by Brahms in memory of his mother and it is in this spirit of love in which movement five must be understood. Bounded between grief and joy, pain and comfort, the movement opens with a beautiful soprano solo - meditative and reflective - thus defining the character of the piece. The words "Ich will euch trösten, wie einen seine Mutter tröstet" are repeated by the choir throughout - essentially underlining the message of this piece "As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you". Fused together with the voice of the soprano, it is supremely moving - a poignant reminder of Christ's comfort and love for his people (incidentally where the words are taken from - John 16:22). The piece ends on a pianissimo - in silent anticipation of the glorious Sixth Movement that follows it.