The unforgettable musical journey will unfold at the hands of the Brisbane Chorale, the Queensland Choir, the Brisbane Concert Choir and the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra.
Verdi wrote his requiem in response to the deaths of two of Italy’s greatest artistic figures, composer Gioacchino Rossi and nationalist poet Alessandro Manzoni.
In 1868, Verdi proposed that Italy’s leading composers collaborate to produce a requiem in honour of Rossini after his death.
Although he commenced by writing Libera Me, none of the other work materialised, and so, when writer and humanist Alessandro Manzoni died in 1873, Verdi resolved to complete the requiem – this time entirely of his own writing – for Manzoni.
Verdi travelled to Paris in June, where he commenced work on the requiem, giving it the form we know today.
It included a revised version of the Libera Me originally composed for Rossini.
The work premiered in 1874 and is of an overpowering, dramatic force, with passages which traverse the extremes of every emotion.
From the thunderbolt explosions of the Dies Irae to the hushed prayers of the Libera Me, Verdi’s use of vigorous rhythms, sublime melodies, and dramatic contrasts showcases the insight, passion, and drama of one of history’s most superlative opera composers in his musical setting of the venerable funeral mass.
The requiem’s composition came near the end of Verdi’s long career – after he had written all but his final two operas – and is unlike anything else in his output.
Experience the insight, passion and drama of one of history’s most superlative composers, with conductor Peter Luff, soprano Natalie Aroyan, mezzo-soprano Milijana Nikolic, tenor Diego Torre (who is currently singing with Opera Australia’s Sydney production of Madama Butterfly) and bass Warwick Fyfe.
Visit the Queensland Music Festival’s website for tickets.
