German romantic period concert

BRATTLEBORO- The Blanche Moyse Chorale presents a selection of choral works from the German romantic period, under the title “Clara, Robert, and Uncle Brahms,”  that is, Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms.  
This concert program is to some extent, a family affair.  Clara and Robert Schumann were a married couple.  Johannes Brahms was a family friend, who would look after the Schumann children when Clara and Robert were off concertizing.  The children addressed Brahms as “Uncle,” but the story of a romantic affair between Clara and Johannes is adequately documented elsewhere.
The program is built around two meditative works by Brahms: “Nänie,” (Funeral Song) and “Schicksalslied”  (Song of Destiny), both accompanied by piano. “Nänie” treats the inevitability of death and the healing role of song.  “Schicksalslied”  mulls over the random effects of fate in life.  Contrast to these relatively somber topics is provided by three lighter song groups:  Brahms’s Four Songs for Women’s Choir, accompanied by harp and two horns; Robert Schumann’s Five Hunting Songs for Men’s Choir, accompanied by four horns; and Clara Schumann’s Three Songs for Mixed Choir, sung a cappella.           
The concert will be performed Friday, March 15, at 7:30 pm, at Next Stage, 15 Kimball Hill, in Putney, and Sunday, March 17, at 2:30 pm, at the Brattleboro Music Center Auditorium, 72 Blanche Moyse Way. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $10 for students
Tickets to both concerts may be purchased in advance by calling (802) 257-4523 or at www.bmcvt.org.