Verdi’s celebrated Requiem has been described as a monumental, imaginative and powerfully theatrical work. Written in 1873 to honour Alessandro Manzoni, Italy’s most famous 19th century author, poet and humanist, it’s often called the Manzoni Requiem. Verdi himself conducted its premiere performance on the first anniversary of Manzoni’s death in 1874. It’s probably the most frequently performed major choral work since Mozart’s Requiem. What accounts for the tremendous popularity of this requiem? Why do singers, musicians and audiences love the work? Although a mass for the dead, it’s filled with soaring melodies, great dramatic and dynamic flair, thrilling orchestral writing and gloriously rich harmonies. Together these convey the full range of human emotions – terror, sadness, joy and consolation – and have led to it being called Verdi’s best opera.
Verdi Requiem, May 5, 2018
- Date: May 5, 2018
- Time: 19:30
- Location: 930 Trunk Rd, Duncan
- Venue: Christian Reformed Church