Lord Byron's poem 'Darkness' is narrated by Meryl Streep and underscored by dark, dirge-like orchestral arrangements, while the Latin Requiem text is sung by choirs and soprano solo.
Compositional Technique
The 'Offertorium' movement in Dream Requiem is a viola solo without words, reflecting Rufus Wainwright's personal experience of not being confirmed in his Catholic upbringing.
Composition History
The Dream Requiem combines the Latin Mass text with Lord Byron's poem 'Darkness,' similar to how Britten used Wilfred Owen's poetry in his War Requiem.
Historical Context
Lord Byron's poem 'Darkness,' used in this work, describes the end of the world after the 1815 Mount Tambora volcanic eruption, which caused the 'Year Without Summer' in 1816.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Rufus Wainwright's Dream Requiem is dedicated to Giuseppe Verdi, whose Requiem transformed him into an "Opera maniac," and to a beloved puppy named Puccini.
Recording & Production
This album is a world-premiere recording of Rufus Wainwright's Dream Requiem, co-commissioned by several international organizations.
Composer Biography
Composer Rufus Wainwright's lifelong fascination with the Requiem form began at age 13, listening to Verdi's Requiem on cassette tape.
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