Duration: 4′
- Anthem
- A cappella SSATB or with piano duet accompaniment
- Gemini Publications
- Commissioned by the Epsom Choral Society
- First performance March 2009 | Epsom Choral Society/Robin Kimber | St Martin’s Church, Epsom, Surrey
I know that my Redeemer liveth was written at the suggestion of Robin Kimber, conductor of Epsom Choral Society, to be perfomed with Brahms’ A German Requiem and is a setting of the words used by Handel in Messiah; 2009, the year of the commission, was the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death.
The Requiem was probably not conceived as a liturgical work and Brahms avoided any reference to Christ or life after death. However, the first performance of six movements was given in 1868 in Bremen Cathedral on Good Friday and in order to compensate for the absence of texts associated with Christ, the music director, Karl Reinthaler, interpolated Handel’s aria, I know that my Redeemer liveth, into the Requiem.
This new setting of I know that my Redeemer liveth has been scored for unaccompanied mixed voices and I have added an optional accompaniment for piano which can be used if performed with the piano duet version of Brahms’ Requiem.
I know that my Redeemer liveth was commissioned by the Epsom Choral Society and first performed on 21st March 2009 at St Martin’s Parish Church, Epsom, Surrey, conductor Robin Kimber.
- I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.
- For now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that sleep.
- I know that my redeemer liveth, I know.