Very little is known about the origins of these three works. They were probably written for specific groups and have virtually nothing to do with each other beyond their scoring for S A A T B B and their publication together. In spite of their dissimilarity they represent a breakthrough in Brahms' mastery of the choral idiom.

1. Abendständchen (Evening serenade). This beautiful setting of a Brentano poem is intensely Romantic in its evocation of a flute heard at night. It is a masterly and complexly lyrical work, one of Brahms' first really great choral pieces.

2. Vineta. The lush and colorful setting of this eerie poem has made this one of Brahms' more popular choral works. The entire piece is effectively dominated by repeated rhythmic figures.

3. Darthulas Grabesgesang (Darthula's Song of Mourning). This gothic poem (much like the one that inspired his Ballade, Opus 10, Number 1, for piano) is set using archaic techniques such as parallel unisons and octaves, open fifths and repetitive rhythms. It is the least interesting of the three choruses, but is still an effective dirge.



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