A German Requiem is not only one of Brahms' best-known and most frequently performed works, but is also one of the most important sacred compositions ever. At last, a scholarly-critical edition of this central work in music history is available that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of accuracy and completeness. Years of meticulous work by the two editors, who have consulted and evaluated all available sources, make this edition the new reference edition of the German Requiem. It not only offers a wealth of new insights into the composition of the work, but also provides valuable practical advice by clarifying questionable passages, for example, on playing with or without mutes, and explaining the meaning of the metronome markings and the ad libitum parts for organ and contrabassoon. The complete performance material with conducting score, orchestral parts and piano reduction is also available from Breitkopf & Härtel to go with this GA volume.