When Johannes Brahms’ exquisitely moving Ein deutsches Requiem premiered in Bremen Cathedral in 1868, it was complemented by a performance of the beloved Handel aria I know that my redeemer liveth. Inspired by this historic musical pairing, Cecilia McDowall’s unaccompanied choral setting reinterprets the familiar Messiah text, emphasising the themes of tenderness, solace and resilience it shares with Brahms’ masterpiece.