Johannes Brahms 'Vier Ernste Gesänge' (Four Serious Songs) Op. 121

Johannes Brahms wrote this work during the time that his dear friend Clara Schumann had just recently had a stroke, and his own health was also in decline.   This is the 2nd to last work that he ever wrote and in these circumstances it makes it an incredibly powerful piece of music.  Written in 4 movements originally scored for baritone singer and piano, this piece adapts well to fit the range of the double bass.