Forgiveness, acceptance and peace - Johannes Brahms wrote Ein deutsches Requiem after the death of his mother. He abandoned the classical Latin prayer, and based on Lutheran, German-language versions, wrote a new death mass. One that did not accompany the dying to death, but offered support to those left behind to carry on. Therein, precisely, was God's unconditional love, according to the composer. 

The afternoon opens with another fascinating work - according to many, the best Finland has to offer: Jean Sibelius' Seventh Symphony. This Finn also explored classical works, which he molded to his own, nature-loving tastes. The Seventh was his last completed work. It can be called particularly atmospheric and even epic. After this, our chief conductor Anja Bihlmaier leads the top choir Cappella Amsterdam and soloists Katrien Baerts and Raoul Steffani for the afternoon's closing piece.