„Der geistlichen Musik die Kraft zuzuwenden, bleibt ja wohl das höchste Ziel des Künstlers“ (“The artist’s supreme calling is to devote his energies to sacred music”). These words were written by Robert Schumann in January 1851 – even though, up to that point in time, his compositional output had been almost entirely secular. The following year, however, he composed his Missa sacra, op. 147, and the Requiem, op. 148. In these works he sought new forms of expression for the liturgical texts, to which end he repeatedly deviated from the precise wording of the originals. Both in terms of the text and the overall musical conception, his Requiem is certainly suitable for concert performances alongside its traditional use in church.

This arrangement for chamber orchestra (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon, timpani and strings) enables the work to be performed by smaller ensembles while preserving its distinct choralsymphonic character.