Marking the 150-year anniversary of Berlioz's death, the Philharmonia Orchestra and renowned Berlioz conductor John Nelson performed the composer's Requiem, the monumental Grande Messe des Morts, in a live concert at St Paul's Cathedral in London. Among the more than 300 musicians performing this work is tenor soloist Michael Spyres.
Featuring
John Nelson
Michael Spyres
Philharmonia Orchestra
Philharmonia Chorus
London Philharmonic Choir
Hector Berlioz
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Compositional Technique
Berlioz's Requiem incorporates elements from his earlier, unfinished projects, including a Fête musicale funèbre and his 1824 Messe solennelle.
Composer Biography
Berlioz, though a confirmed agnostic, wrote much religious music, inspired by his youth when he was overwhelmed by the beauty of Catholic services.
Composition History
The premiere of Berlioz's Requiem was delayed due to the king cancelling the original ceremony, but it was later performed for General Damrémont, who died during the siege of Constantine.
Compositional Technique
Berlioz altered the standard liturgical text of the Requiem, changing the order of verses to suit his dramatic purposes and creating a Dante-esque structure from hell to heaven.
Recording & Production
This recording of Berlioz's Requiem was made live at St Paul's Cathedral in London on the 150th anniversary of the composer's death.
Composition History
Berlioz's Requiem was commissioned in 1837 by Louis Philippe's Interior Minister to commemorate the 1830 Revolution and Marshal Mortier, who died in an assassination attempt on the king.
Compositional Technique
Berlioz's Requiem requires immense forces, including a huge chorus, a solo tenor, over 100 string instruments, 20 woodwind, 12 horns, and a percussion section with 8 pairs of timpani, plus four brass ensembles placed at the corners.
