Four Preludes and Serious Songs

Brahms' sketch of his 'Vier Ernste Gesänge' suggests the possibility of orchestration. 'Detlev Glanert took up this suggestion and developed it even further. He orchestrated the songs for orchestra, as demanded by Brahms for his symphonies, framing them by preludes and a short postlude. The orchestration extends and differentiates the sound space in which the songs move. The preludes, however, extend the time and reflective space for the thoughts contained in the pieces. As it were, they serve as zones of preparation and consideration, thus strengthening the liturgical character of the work.' (Habakuk Traber)