The Four Serious Songs, op. 121, was to be the last work Brahms published before his death. These songs are closely linked to the death of his beloved friend Clara Schumann in May 1896. It is reported that after her funeral, Brahms, in tears, performed the songs in the circle his friends. When the composer himself died shortly thereafter, in April 1897, the Four Songs were transformed into his own musical memorial. Owing to their musical expressive power and poignancy, these songs for low voice, based on verses from the Old and New Testaments, number among the milestones in the Romantic song repertoire to the present day - be it in lessons or on the concert stage.
The Henle Urtext edition offers the scholarly verified musical text of the New Brahms Complete Edition. In the preface, editor Johannes Behr presents interesting insights into the genesis and early reception of the pieces.