J. Brahms - Requiem

Come to St. Stephen’s Cathedral to hear Johannes Brahms’s famous German Requiem, a majestic work intended not as funeral music, but as a source of comfort for those “who are in sorrow.”

Although the title of the work might suggest otherwise, the German Requiem is not, strictly speaking, funeral music. The central theme of the work is not the eternal rest of the dead, but rather the consolation of those left behind. It is music intended primarily for the living, and through its choice of texts, it reflects the composer’s intentions and personal grief, as he had recently lost his mother.

“Since Bach’s Mass in B minor and Beethoven’s Missa solemnis, nothing has been written that can stand alongside Brahms’s German Requiem in this genre,” wrote the notoriously hard-to-please music critic Eduard Hanslick in his glowing assessment of this work, which not only marked Brahms’s breakthrough but would also go on to become the most popular of his compositions.

Join the Vienna Cathedral Choir and the Vienna Cathedral Orchestra, conducted by Cathedral Music Director Markus Landerer, along with renowned soloists, and experience the magic of this masterpiece for yourself at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna.

Performers:

Vienna Cathedral Choir
Vienna Cathedral Orchestra

Domkapellmeister Markus Landerer, conductor

program

J. Brahms:

Ein deutsches Requiem nach Worten der Heiligen Schrift, op. 45

 

90 Minuten, keine Pause

Place

St. Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna – The Iconic Landmark and a Gothic Masterpiece

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, affectionately known as "Steffl," is Vienna’s most famous landmark and one of the most important Gothic structures in Europe. Located in the heart of the city on Stephansplatz, the cathedral captivates visitors with its towering South Tower (136.4 meters), colorful tiled roof, and intricately decorated façade.

Since its construction in the 12th century, St. Stephen’s Cathedral has been the spiritual center of Vienna, representing the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Inside, visitors can admire its stunning altars, exquisite stained glass windows, and the famous "Pummerin" bell. The catacombs, where many historical figures are buried, are also a fascinating part of the cathedral’s history.

Beyond its religious significance, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is also an important venue for classical concerts, organ performances, and special church services.

Getting There by Public Transport

Subway:

• U1, U3 Stephansplatz station – direct access to the cathedral

Tram:

• Lines 1, 2, 71, D (Kärntner Ring, Oper stop) – about a 5-minute walk

Bus:

• Lines 1A, 2A, 3A (Stephansplatz stop)

Thanks to its central location in Vienna’s first district, the cathedral is easily accessible from all parts of the city.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna – A Historic Landmark with Timeless Beauty

Whether as a place of faith, a historic monument, or a musical venue, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a must-see attraction, combining architectural splendor, cultural heritage, and a profound historical legacy.