It received its world premiere on May 14, 1946, at New York City Center, with the Collegiate Chorale conducted by Shaw and soloists Mona Paulee, contralto, and George Burnson, baritone.

"[5] Paul Hume said, "I doubt if we shall ever mourn Abraham Lincoln's untimely death more eloquently than in the words of Walt Whitman set to the music of Paul Hindemith; it is a work of genius and the presence of the genius presiding over its performance brought us splendor and profound and moving glory.

Written in memory of Abraham Lincoln, Whitman's poem fitted the theme of the country at this time of mourning.

[8] Along with introducing himself to the American soundscape, Hindemith also used his requiem to begin deviating from the Romantic style of music.

[10] Because Hindemith was German-born, the idea of his composing a work dedicated to an American president troubled a portion of the country.