As Thomas Hampson neared the end of his part in Brahms' glorious "Ein Deutsches Requiem" he intoned, "Behold, I show you a mystery." It was hard for me to not take these words at face value even in the midst of a work of profound spirituality and one set to biblical verse. (Today)

Bruce Springsteen guitarist Steve Van Zandt says touring without saxophonist Clarence Clemons is sure to be emotional for the E Street Band and its audience. Mr. Clemons died at age 69 last year after a stroke. Mr. Van Zandt said Thursday that the band's work will always be a tribute to Mr. Clemons and keyboard player Danny Federici, who died in 2008. Mr. (Today)

Ben Folds will return to Heinz Hall to perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. May 25. (02/02/2012)

It started out as a memorial for a friend, became a tribute to a mother and ended up a message for humanity. Johannes Brahms' "A German Requiem" was all of that, and it is one of his most enduring compositions. The death in 1856 of Robert Schumann, the great German composer and close friend, inspired the choral work. (02/02/2012)

With names such as Couperin instead of Chopin, Blow instead of Brahms, and Purcell instead of Prokofiev, the music of the 17th century needs a little help being appreciated. You'd almost say it needs a Bernstein to bridge the gap. That's exactly what National Public Radio has tagged acclaimed harpsichordist and conductor Richard Egarr, and he is up to the challenge. (02/02/2012)