The Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) is a setting of the Roman Catholic funeral mass. It is named after the first word of the text, which begins Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine (‘Grant them eternal rest, O Lord’). First performed in Milan on May 22, 1874 to mark the first anniversary of the death of Alessandro Manzoni, an Italian poet and novelist whom Verdi greatly admired, this Requiem consists of the following seven movements: I Requiem and Kyrie; II Dies irae; III Offertory; IV Sanctus; V Agnus Dei; VI Lux aeterna; VII Libera me. Throughout the work, which is scored for full orchestra, a chorus and four soloists, Verdi uses vigorous rhythms, soaring melodies and dramatic contrasts – just as he does in his operas. The result is a piece justly renowned for its powerful emotional impact.
In this performance, the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Orchestra and Chorus will be conducted by Andrea Solinas. The soloists, meanwhile, will be Ezgi Karakaya (mezzo-soprano), Efe Kışlalı (tenor) and Ferruccio Furlanetto (bass).
Issue 67, December 2024
Beauty in the Wilderness
