Johannes Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem – The One-Year Anniversary
An Indianapolis Collaboration of Comfort, Consolation, and Hope in Life and in Death
On March 1, 2020, 150 musicians gathered to perform Johannes Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem in the majestic beauty of Second Presbyterian’s Sanctuary with an audience of over 600. It began as a community collaboration honoring the memories of two beloved musical leaders, Fiora Contino and Joseph Flummerfelt. As we gathered for a transcendence of time and place, themes of loss, grief, hope, and finally, rest, were lovingly enveloped in musical expression.
Little did we know that the first case of COVID-19 in Indiana would be confirmed 5 days later, and that our lives would be forever changed by a global pandemic. As our congregation, community, country, and world continue to grapple with the effects of this enigmatic virus, we share this recording of Ein Deutsches Requiem by Johannes Brahms, recorded live from our Sanctuary one year ago today. As we listen, may we gather as a community again to reflect on all we have endured and look forward with hope.
Fiora Contino, d. March 5, 2017
Joe Flummerfelt, d. March 1, 2019
All those who have lost their lives in the COVID-19 pandemic.